C. Diff News and Research

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Tufts researchers identify new vulnerabilities to combat persistent C. diff infections

Affecting roughly half a million Americans each year, bacterial infections caused by Clostridioides difficile—commonly known as C. diff—are a serious and persistent problem for patients and hospitals alike.

5 Mar 2026

Study uncovers how the body's bile acids bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin

In a major step towards a precision therapy for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have uncovered how the body's bile acids bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin.

9 Dec 2025

Probiotic strains have different effects on gut recovery after antibiotics

All probiotics are not created equal, according to new research from North Carolina State University. In a mouse model, researchers found that different probiotic strains can either accelerate or delay the gut microbiome's recovery after antibiotic treatment.

21 Jul 2025

New study warns of long-term risks from fecal microbiota transplants

Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have been touted as a potential treatment for a variety of conditions, from inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes to autism.

6 Jun 2025

New study reveals hidden spread of C. diff in intensive care units

One of the most common health care-associated infections spreads within intensive care units (ICUs) more than three times more than previously thought, new research has found.

4 Apr 2025

Harnessing intestinal microbes to combat inflammation and infections

Despite being an everyday necessity, nutrition is something of a black box. We know that many plant-based foods are good for us, but we don't always know why.

27 Mar 2025

C. diff uses toxic compound to gain competitive advantage in the gut

The pathogen C. diff - the most common cause of health care-associated infectious diarrhea - can use a compound that kills the human gut's resident microbes to survive and grow, giving it a competitive advantage in the infected gut.

25 Mar 2025

UVA research reveals nervous system's role in C. difficile infections

The portion of our nervous systems responsible for the "fight or flight" response can shape the severity of potentially deadly C. difficile infections, new research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals.

10 Oct 2024

Researchers uncover key bacteria driving success of fecal microbiota transplants

Fecal microbiota transplants, or FMTs, are a magic bullet for patients with recurring infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), but researchers are only beginning to understand why.

9 Oct 2024

Scientists discover how hospital superbug rapidly evolves resistance to frontline treatment

Scientists have discovered how the hospital superbug C.diff rapidly evolves resistance to the frontline drug used for treatment in the UK.

16 Aug 2024

Reducing inappropriate C. difficile testing with a diagnostic stewardship approach

A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) describes the outcome of a new approach to testing for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) guided by the principles of diagnostic stewardship.

27 Jun 2024

AGA guideline endorses fecal microbiota transplant as treatment for recurrent C. diff infection

In the first comprehensive evidence-based guideline on the use of fecal microbiota-based therapies for gastrointestinal disease, the American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.

21 Feb 2024

Doxycycline use may help protect against C. diff infection for some patients with pneumonia

A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) reveals that the use of doxycycline may help protect against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection for some patients with pneumonia.

2 Nov 2023

Strict pandemic-related IPC interventions reduced healthcare-associated infection rates, study shows

A new study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) measures implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a significant decrease in many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and a reduction in respiratory viral infections (RVIs).

5 Oct 2023

Analyzing longitudinal genomic surveillance of carriage intensive care unit

Hospital staff spend a significant amount of time working to protect patients from acquiring infections while they are being cared for in the hospital.

19 Sep 2023

First-time dads face steeper relationship hurdles than second-time fathers, study finds

Study reveals that first-time fathers experience a more significant decline in relationship satisfaction during the transition to parenthood compared to second-time dads. Echoing findings from prior research on mothers, the study suggests that couples should brace for relationship challenges when expecting their first child.

4 Sep 2023

Study shows how NSAIDs exacerbate C. difficile infections

Why do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exacerbate gastrointestinal infections by Clostridioides difficile, the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide?

19 Jul 2023

Testing policy change could reduce the burden of C. diff infections

A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that allowing bedside nurses to independently order testing for C. difficile significantly decreased the amount of time to receive test results as compared to requiring physician approval.

11 May 2023

Fecal microbiota transplant: Effective solution for recurrent C. difficile infections

Researchers provide an overview of fecal microbiota transplantation in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.

27 Apr 2023

Discontinuing oral antibiotics after breast reconstruction does not lead to an increase in infections

For breast cancer patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy, avoiding postoperative oral antibiotics does not reduce the risk of infections, reports a study in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.