Using diet to prevent Clostridioides difficile infections
Official title: Dietary and synbiotic strategy to limit gut microbiome dysbiosis and protect against Clostridioides difficile infection
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11075786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating more fiber and less fat might help people, especially those with cancer, avoid infections from C. diff by changing the bacteria in their gut and how their bodies respond to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 23, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $775,185 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI150589-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for C. difficile infections, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with a history of antibiotic use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those with dietary restrictions that prevent them from altering their diet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary changes, specifically increasing fiber and reducing fat, can help prevent infections caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). The study will explore how different diets affect the gut microbiome and the body's response to antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. By using mouse models, researchers aim to understand the mechanisms by which diet influences the severity of C. diff infections and identify effective dietary strategies for at-risk individuals, such as cancer patients. The findings could lead to new dietary recommendations for preventing these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a dietary approach to significantly reduce the risk of Clostridioides difficile infections in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that dietary interventions can positively influence gut microbiome health, suggesting that this approach may be effective for preventing C. difficile infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lozupone, Catherine — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Lozupone, Catherine
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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.