Understanding how Fecal Microbiota Transplant helps with C. difficile infection
Mechanisms of Fecal Microbiota Transplant Protection from Recurrent C. difficile
This project aims to discover how fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) works to prevent C. difficile infections from coming back in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243646 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced recurrent C. difficile infection and are undergoing or considering fecal microbiota transplant would be ideal candidates for this type of research.
Not a fit: Patients without recurrent C. difficile infection or those not receiving FMT would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new or improved treatments for recurrent C. difficile infection by targeting specific body systems, potentially even helping with other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: While FMT is a known effective therapy, this project explores new and innovative ways that FMT impacts the patient's body rather than just the bacteria, challenging previous ideas.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petri, William a — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Petri, William a
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.