Understanding how nutrition affects infections caused by C. difficile
Official title: Nutritional immunity and microbial competition during Clostridioides difficile infection
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11092009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nutrients in our bodies and the balance between good and bad bacteria in our gut affect infections from Clostridioides difficile, especially in people who have recently taken antibiotics, to find better ways to prevent and treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $941,064 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI164587-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092009 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have recently taken antibiotics and are at risk for C. difficile infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not taken antibiotics or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the body’s nutritional defenses and the competition between harmful bacteria and the gut microbiome influence infections caused by Clostridioides difficile. It focuses on how nutrient metals, which are essential for both the bacteria and the host, play a role in the severity of these infections. By examining the immune response and the role of specific proteins like calprotectin, the research aims to uncover new insights into preventing and treating C. difficile infections, particularly in patients who have recently undergone antibiotic treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating C. difficile infections, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of nutritional immunity can lead to significant advancements in treating bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skaar, Eric P — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Skaar, Eric P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how the immune system fights C. difficile to prevent recurrence
A new NIH grant is studying how the body’s own immune response to C. difficile infection might be boosted to prevent future outbreaks.
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Impact of gut bile acids on C. difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease
This grant tests whether changes in gut microbes and their bile acids influence how likely people with inflammatory bowel disease are to get and how severe a C. difficile infection could be.
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Role of gut bacteria in shaping C. difficile infection
Aims to map how the gut microbiome and its metabolic environment influence Clostridioides difficile infection in people and how we might prevent or treat it.
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Detailed genetic look at C. difficile and the gut microbiome in infection and relapse
Researchers will sequence C. difficile and gut bacteria from thousands of patient stool samples to find genetic and microbial patterns linked to severe or recurring infections.
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Multivalent vaccine to prevent C. difficile infection and recurrence
This project is developing a vaccine that teaches the immune system to neutralize C. difficile toxins and block the bacteria from coming back for people at risk of infection.
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Gut-targeted antibiotics for C. difficile infection
Developing gut-targeted antibiotics to kill C. difficile while keeping healthy gut bacteria for people with recurrent C. difficile infections.
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.