C. Difficile

Environmental contamination plays a larger role than previously recognized, prompting calls for updated infection control strategies.

Lumen Bioscience’s LMN-201 was considered safe and well tolerated, and there were no severe dose-related or serious adverse events reported.

Fecal microbiota transplantation emerges as the top treatment, while probiotics show limited effectiveness in preventing CDI recurrence.

Nature Medicine published additional data on Vedanta Biosciences’ Clostridioides difficile investigational therapy, VE303, from its phase 2 trial.

Larry Sutton, MD, PhD, discussed how oxygen affects C. difficile and provides anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, with potential applications for gastrointestinal diseases.

CEO Larry D Sutton, MD, PhD, elaborates on the company's strategy and the science behind SIDIPREV to prevent C difficile infections in hospitalized patients.

Here are some of the bigger stories on this topic from this year.

Investigators at the University of Virginia are examining the potential link between the “sympathetic” nervous system and the role of the seriousness of the infection.

This week, recent studies show progress in healthcare, including an mRNA vaccine for C difficile, the rise of antimicrobial resistance, peer-assisted telemedicine for hepatitis C in rural areas, and more.

Joseph Zackular, PhD highlights targeting high-risk groups for vaccination and shares insights into the future of mRNA vaccine development for C diff.

Joseph Zackular, PhD suggests that mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibodies could offer more effective treatments for recurrent C difficile infections

Joseph Zackular, PhD, shares insights on his team’s mRNA vaccine research for C difficile, highlighting progress in animal models and future plans for human trials.

Vedanta Biosciences offered further insights on its completed phase 2 trial for its novel therapeutic, VE303.

This week, evolving COVID-19 inpatient care protocols with ECMO and remdesivir, FDA breakthrough designation for a rapid sepsis test, E coli outbreak linked to iceberg and romaine lettuce, and more.

Study found that VRE colonization is linked to higher mortality, increased need for mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, while MRSA and C diff colonization showed less impact.

This week, a Mayo Clinic study found that removing C diff from gastrointestinal pathogen panels reduced unnecessary treatments, a Salmonella outbreak was linked to cucumbers, and a hepatitis C therapy achieved a 98% sustained virologic response in non-cirrhotic patients, among other developments.

Daniel Ilges, PharmD, BCIDP discussed this improved diagnostic stewardship, reduced unnecessary treatments, and had no impact on diagnosis timelines.

Using fecal microbiota transplantation within the CGA framework further enhanced survival and care efficiency.

Here is a recap of the latest happenings during C diff awareness month.

In recognition of C difficile Awareness Month this November, the CDC's 2023 HAI Progress Report highlights continued progress in reducing CDIs across US healthcare settings.

Reduction of in-hospital rate of C difficile infection from 11% to 4%, with no increased risk of infection following treatment.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses what the data says as well as offers insights about what patients can expect and medical peer-to-peer information about the procedure.

This week, food recalls due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination and, a study comparing treatments for recurrent C difficile infections underscore the need for further research, policy adjustments, and more.

17 randomized controlled trials involving 4,148 patients assessed the efficacy of various treatments, finding that fecal microbiota transplantation via the lower gastrointestinal route was the most effective.

The country’s largest fecal distributor, OpenBiome, could be prevented from offering the product next year if the FDA does not approve the product used for fecal microbiota transplants to treat fulminant C difficile.

From improving infection control and antibiotic stewardship, identifying RT 027 as a risk factor for vancomycin resistance in C diff, developing a universal flu vaccine, better management for drug-resistant pathogens, and more.

An analysis revealed that 29% exhibited reduced susceptibility to reduced vancomycin, underscoring the importance of enhanced monitoring of these strains to inform antibiotic prescribing practices.

The clinical stage company, Recursion, dosed its first participant using a novel therapy that is not an antimicrobial.

Ferring presented new real-world data demonstrating that 73.3% of patients reported enhanced physical function and 86.7% experienced better mental well-being.

Experts highlighted research showing that even mild COVID can result in cognitive impairment including brain fog and IQ decline, the FDA approved Pfizer's RSV vaccine for adults aged 18 to 59, E coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, and more.