C diff Archives
C. diff infections drop in children
Nov. 3, 2022—The number of pediatric infections caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) decreased from 2013 to 2019, likely due to an increase in antibiotic stewardship programs and improved hospital contact protocols, Vanderbilt researchers found.
Molecular imaging of C. diff infection
Sep. 30, 2021—C. difficile — the leading cause of hospital-associated intestinal infections — induces a rapid influx of bile acids into the gut, which could provide a novel target for blocking infection.
C. diff captures blood cell cofactor to build defensive shield
Jun. 10, 2020—Vanderbilt University Medical Center scientists have identified a C. diff protein system that senses and captures heme (part of hemoglobin) to build a protective shield that fends off threats from our immune system and antibiotics.
Structural views of a C. diff toxin
Jan. 10, 2020—D. Borden Lacy and colleagues used cryo-electron microscopy to define the structure of a C. diff toxin, providing a framework for the design of novel therapeutics.
Wexler receives Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellowship
Dec. 12, 2019—Aaron Wexler, PhD, a research fellow in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, has received a Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellowship.
Treating C. diff: new purpose for an old drug?
Sep. 24, 2019—An inexpensive generic drug once used to prevent gastrointestinal ulcers in people taking daily NSAIDs protects against C. diff infection in mice.
Pain relievers a risk for C. diff?
Jan. 17, 2019—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.
Grant bolsters study of potential new therapy for C. diff infection
Mar. 22, 2018—According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011 in the United States there were almost half a million Clostridium difficile infections, and one in 11 patients 65 or older with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection died within 30 days of diagnosis.
Versatile C. difficile blocker
Jan. 26, 2018—New research reveals a unique mechanism of C. difficile toxin neutralization by a monoclonal antibody, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.
Clue to recurrent C. diff infection
May. 1, 2017—Children who experience recurrent C. diff infections may have fecal inflammatory markers that could predict risk and improve management of these infections.
Study shows excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection
Sep. 26, 2016—Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Study identifies C. diff toxin receptor, suggests new treatment approaches
Jun. 4, 2015—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.
