C. Diff News and Research

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Study reveals molecular mechanisms that give bacteria its 'superpowers' against antibiotics

A species of ordinary gut bacteria that we all carry flourishes when the intestinal flora is knocked out by a course of antibiotics. Since the bacteria is naturally resistant to many antibiotics, it causes problems, particularly in healthcare settings.

17 Apr 2023

Probiotic E. coli secretes proteins of therapeutic value into its surroundings

Humans are colonized with thousands of bacterial strains. Researchers are now focused on genetically modifying such bacteria to enhance their intrinsic therapeutic properties.

31 Mar 2023

The burden of Clostridioides difficile infections in the United States

Researchers review existing data on Clostridioides difficile infections among United States residents.

13 Mar 2023

The right combination of bile salt hydrolases may offer a new approach to treat C. diff

Not all probiotics are created equal. In a new study, researchers found that certain enzymes within a class known as bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) can restrict Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) colonization by both altering existing bile acids and by creating a new class of bile acids within the gut's microbial environment.

13 Mar 2023

Research reveals how microorganisms found in the gut can worsen C. difficile infections

New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and collaborators reveals how microorganisms found in our guts can worsen dangerous C. difficile infections.

21 Dec 2022

Antibiotic-resistant, opportunistic pathogen enhances the pathogenesis of C. difficile

Clostridioides difficile, often referred to as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that causes severe intestinal illness and, as its name suggests, can be difficult to study and treat.

16 Nov 2022

Bacterial species known for causing diarrheal infections may also drive colorectal cancer

Data collected by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy suggest that Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, a bacterial species well known for causing serious diarrheal infections, may also drive colorectal cancer.

14 Jul 2022

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation found to be an optimal cost-effective treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection

Research recently published in Clinical Infectious Diseases from the University of Minnesota Medical School has found that Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, or FMT, is an optimal cost-effective treatment for first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, or CDI or C-Diff.

3 Jun 2022

Inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for children associated with excess health-care costs

Antibiotics inappropriately prescribed to nonhospitalized children resulted in at least $74 million in excess health-care costs in the U.S. in 2017, according to a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

26 May 2022

Antibiotics disrupt the immune system in the gut leading to fungal infection

Patients prescribed antibiotics in hospital are more likely to get fungal infections because of disruption to the immune system in the gut, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham and National Institutes of Health.

13 May 2022

Researchers use a systems biology approach to parse the genetic diversity of C. difficile

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Jacobs School of Engineering, with colleagues at Baylor College of Medicine, have used a systems biology approach to parse the genetic diversity of Clostridioides difficile, a particularly problematic pathogen in health care settings.

27 Apr 2022

Researchers demonstrate how a narrow-spectrum antibiotic selectively targets C. diff

Most antibiotics are double-edged swords. Besides killing the pathogen they are prescribed for, they also decimate beneficial bacteria and change the composition of the gut microbiome.

6 Apr 2022

Spectacular structure of C.difficile's protective armor revealed

The spectacular structure of the protective armor of superbug C.difficile has been revealed for the first time showing the close-knit yet flexible outer layer – like chain mail.

25 Feb 2022

UVA research sheds light on why fecal transplant can benefit patients with C. difficile infections

New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine sheds light on why a fecal transplant can benefit patients with dangerous recurrent C. difficile infections – and suggests a way to improve patient outcomes.

14 Dec 2021

Study supports the implementation of Beckman Coulter’s MDW in emergency labs as initial test to detect sepsis

Beckman Coulter announced the results of a prospective study carried out across two European hospitals, which found that Monocyte Distribution Width, in combination with White Blood Cell Count with Differential, has the diagnostic accuracy to detect the risk of sepsis and severe infection upon patient presentation in A&E, particularly when assessed in patients with a lower likelihood of sepsis.

22 Sep 2021

Bacteriophages named after Norfolk village of Colney could help combat C. difficile infections

Viruses have a menacing reputation for causing disease but some that target bacteria could actually benefit human health.

5 Aug 2021

Researchers shed light on the microbial connection between very-low-calorie diet and weight loss

Researchers at UCSF have found that extreme caloric restriction diets alter the microbiome in ways that could help with weight loss but might also result in an increased population of Clostridiodes difficile, a pathogenic bacterium that can lead to severe diarrhea and colitis.

24 Jun 2021

New microbial genes responsible for bile acid conversion is a major step forward for gut health

As the owner of a human body, you're carrying trillions of microbes with you everywhere you go. These microscopic organisms aren't just hitching a ride; many of them perform essential chemical reactions that regulate everything from our digestion to our immune system to our moods.

27 May 2021

Study uncovers molecular reason why fecal transplants effectively treat C. difficile infections

Experts have uncovered a new molecular reason why faecal transplants are highly effective in treating infections such as C. difficile (a nasty bacteria that can infect the bowel), which could lead to more targeted treatments for this and other similar diseases.

9 Apr 2021

University of Strathclyde signs licensing deal for its patented HINS-light technology

The new Environment Care Lighting technology range created by Linea Light Group using High Intensity Narrow Spectrum (HINS) light developed and patented by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, will enable the Woofer and Rollip appliances from the i-LèD Professional collection to decontaminate surfaces and prevent infection, destroying up to 70-80% of bacteria with continuous use.

22 Mar 2021