Understanding how gut bacteria affect fecal microbiota transplantation for C. difficile infections

Functional Redundancy of Human Microbiome and its Implication in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10668456

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our guts can affect the success of a treatment called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for people with recurring C. difficile infections, and it aims to help improve this treatment for better health outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10668456 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in human health, particularly focusing on how the composition of these microorganisms can influence the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating recurrent C. difficile infections. By analyzing the ecological principles that govern gut microbiota, the study aims to predict how well donor bacteria can integrate into a patient's gut and improve treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective FMT therapies and better management of gut-related diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing recurrent C. difficile infections who may be considering fecal microbiota transplantation as a treatment option.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have recurrent C. difficile infections or those who are not candidates for fecal microbiota transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections and potentially other microbiome-related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using fecal microbiota transplantation for treating C. difficile infections, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights into microbiome therapies.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-13 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.