diarrhea

November 21, 2023

Commensal gut bacterium protects from severe intestinal infection

The commensal bacterium Turicibacter sanguinis could be used to protect against severe intestinal infections, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 5, 2021

Motor protein linked to intestinal cell differentiation

The motor protein MYO5B, a cause of the congenital intestinal disorder microvillus inclusion disease, does more than move cellular cargo, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Sarah E. Glass
white pills spilling out of a prescription bottle
January 17, 2019

Pain relievers a risk for C. diff?

A link between anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and C. diff infection suggests caution against overusing such drugs in patients at high risk for infection.

By Leigh MacMillan
gloved hand placing test tube on rack full of other test tubes
November 30, 2017

Study uses decision support to reduce unneeded lab tests

Diarrhea has many causes, and when there are prolonged or severe symptoms clinicians sometimes consider lab testing to help guide treatment. But sometimes they stray from published guidelines in the direction of overtesting.

By Paul Govern
July 1, 2016

Swimmers beware: fecal contamination a concern in hot weather

By Wayne Wood
arm with IV line
June 4, 2015

Study identifies C. diff toxin receptor, suggests new treatment approaches

Vanderbilt University investigators have identified a cellular receptor for a toxin from Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) — the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 24, 2014

Team spots trigger for rare diarrheal disease in infants

Researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Arizona and Phoenix Children’s Hospital have discovered what triggers a rare but devastating diarrheal disease in newborns that is fatal without intravenous feeding or intestinal transplant.
By Bill Snyder