Understanding how C. difficile bacteria persist in the gut

Mechanisms of persistence of Clostridioides difficile in the intestinal mucosa

NIH-funded research Texas A&m University · NIH-11079596

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, United States)
Project IDNIH-11079596 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced recurrent C. difficile infections or antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Not a fit: Patients who have never had a C. difficile infection or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

College Station, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.