Understanding how Fecal Microbiota Transplant helps with C. difficile infection

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

The project wants to understand how fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) helps patients avoid recurrent C. difficile infections. Researchers will look at colon biopsies from patients before and after they receive FMT to see changes in their gut. They will also use special mouse models to learn more about how FMT affects the body's signals, immune system, and gut repair processes. The goal is to find out exactly how FMT protects against these infections by focusing on the patient's body rather than just the bacteria. This work builds on previous clinical studies involving humans undergoing FMT.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Virginia
  Charlottesville, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Petri, William a — University of Virginia
• Study coordinator: Petri, William a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11402247

• National Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Registry

  This registry collects health and safety information from people who receive fecal microbiota transplants or related live-microbe treatments to help patients with recurrent or severe C. difficile infection.

  NIH research American Gastroenterological Assn/inst · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11394403

• Gut Restore-PAH: Microbiota Transplant to Help Pulmonary Angiopathy

  A small pilot study will test whether transplanting healthy gut bacteria, with antibiotics beforehand and fiber support, can help people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11354274

• Microbiota Transplant Therapy to Prevent HE Recurrence in Veterans with Cirrhosis

  A Phase 2B multi-center study tests using donor microbiota transplants to prevent hepatic encephalopathy from coming back in Veterans with cirrhosis.

  NIH research VA Veterans Administration Hospital · Richmond, United States · NIH-11299678

• Vaginal transplant to restore Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal communities

  This trial tests whether placing healthy donor vaginal bacteria into people with recurrent bacterial vaginosis helps restore Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal communities.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11168678

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.