Understanding how C. difficile changes its colony shape
Determinants of Clostridioides difficile colony dimorphism
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11127735
This study is looking at the different shapes of the bacteria that cause serious gut infections, to find out which genes influence these shapes and how they might affect the bacteria's ability to spread and cause illness, with the hope of finding better ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the different colony shapes of the bacteria Clostridioides difficile, which can cause severe intestinal infections. The study aims to identify the genes responsible for these colony forms and how they affect the bacteria's ability to move, form biofilms, and cause disease. By using various laboratory techniques, researchers will explore the relationship between the colony morphology and the bacteria's virulence. This could lead to a better understanding of how to combat infections caused by C. difficile.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced antibiotic-associated diarrhea or C. difficile infections.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other bacteria or those who have not taken antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by C. difficile.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial morphology can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAMAYO, RITA — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: TAMAYO, RITA
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 below.
Conditions: bacterial disease treatment, bacterial infectious disease treatment