Infectious Diseases

Jennifer Gaddy, PhD
February 24, 2026

Jennifer Gaddy elected to American Academy of Microbiology 

Gaddy is a leading researcher in bacterial pathogenesis, innate immunity and reproductive immunology.

By Paul Govern
C. difficile bacteria (image courtesy of CDC/Jennifer Oosthuizen)
February 18, 2026

Vanderbilt research offers new hope for preventing repeated C. diff infections

Treatment options are limited for the more than 500,000 people in the U.S. who are diagnosed annually with C. diff infections, but researchers are working on potential vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and — most recently — nanobodies, to prevent and treat C. diff infections.

By Bill Snyder
February 18, 2026

Novel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence

New study represents a major step forward for vaccine development for C. diff, the leading cause of health care- and antibiotic-associated infection.

By Leigh MacMillan
(iStock)
February 13, 2026

Anti-Marburg antibody from Vanderbilt Health sent to Ethiopia during outbreak

There currently are no approved treatments or vaccines to protect against the infection, which can cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and in roughly 50% of cases, death.

By Bill Snyder
Members of the Vanderbilt Health team are evaluating the efficacy of the immunomodulatory drug baricitinib for treating the persistent neurological and cardiopulmonary symptoms of long COVID. (photo by Donn Jones)
February 6, 2026

Vanderbilt Health to lead expanded multisite study of immunomodulation in long COVID

The public health burden of long COVID is estimated to be the largest seen from an emerging disease in the past century, yet there remain no effective interventions.

By Jill Clendening
Clostridium difficile bacterium, 3D illustration
January 28, 2026

Gut microbiome differs according to C. diff symptom status

In a study of children with symptomatic or asymptomatic C. diff, symptom status loomed as the strongest association with differences in gut microbial abundance and diversity.

By Paul Govern
January 22, 2026

A grateful patient says ‘thank you’ to Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The infection can result from inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows in soil throughout Middle Tennessee, especially in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Previously, blood samples had to be sent to a reference lab in Utah.
By Bill Snyder
January 20, 2026

VIGH, Ugandan partners land grant to study bunyaviruses in Tennessee and Uganda

Bunyaviruses can lead to many illnesses, ranging from mild fevers to serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as hemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis in both children and adults.
By Kristin Centers
January 20, 2026

Following recommended schedule helps keep children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases

Any length of time without immunizations is a time without protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
By Jessica Pasley
January 16, 2026

Vanderbilt Health team finds potent antibody that neutralizes two dangerous viruses

The single administration of an antibody that provides cross-protection against both RSV and hMPV infection could provide logistical and economic advantages over the need to develop and administer multiple virus-specific monoclonal antibodies.
By Bill Snyder
January 16, 2026

Flu is rampant in our area

It’s still not too late to get a flu shot; what to do if you get sick
December 15, 2025

Antibody research may lead to broadly protective flu vaccine

These findings could lead to the development of cross-reactive and neutralizing antibody therapies for individuals who are severely ill from the flu.
By Bill Snyder
December 11, 2025

Experts call for better adherence to guidelines for antiviral prescribing for children at higher risk of severe influenza

Researchers found a substantial gap between recommendations and real-world treatment practices in pediatric EDs (emergency departments) across the country.
By Jessica Pasley