Understanding how C. difficile bacteria persist in the gut
Official title: Mechanisms of persistence of Clostridioides difficile in the intestinal mucosa
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11079596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the C. difficile bacteria stick around in the gut and cause repeat infections, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who keep getting sick from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177842-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced recurrent C. difficile infections or antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never had a C. difficile infection or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium responsible for severe diarrhea, persists in the intestinal mucosa, leading to recurrent infections. The study focuses on how these spores interact with intestinal cells and the extracellular matrix during treatment, which may contribute to their ability to evade antibiotics. By examining these interactions in detail, the research aims to uncover critical insights that could inform better treatment strategies for patients suffering from C. difficile infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that reduce the recurrence of C. difficile infections, enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paredes-Sabja, Daniel Gonzalo — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Paredes-Sabja, Daniel Gonzalo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.