C. Difficile

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.

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.

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.

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.

Timothy Ritter, MD, provides his insights on using the live biotherapeutic product and what both patients and clinicians can expect in terms of safety and efficacy.

At this week’s ID Week, Ferring Pharmaceuticals shares results from its outpatient study examining its treatment, Rebyota, for the prevention of recurrence.

The study indicates that targeting the sympathetic nervous system could improve CDI management, as a novel multi-target mRNA vaccine was shown to protect mice from lethal doses.

The panel provides insights on common adverse effects associated with fecal microbiota transplantation and analyzes the possibility of FMT products carrying pathogens or food-borne allergens.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses the key findings from the phase 3 ECOSPOR clinical trial for fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk oral capsules (VAS).