C. Difficile

This week, a mother's struggle with C difficile during pregnancy, racial disparities in COVID-19 treatment, Supreme Court decision preserving access to HIV prevention, and more.

Sara Embry discusses her experience with the infection while pregnant and as a mother to young children as well as finding the Peggy Lillis Foundation to help her cope with the infection and subsequently work as a peer support volunteer for the organization.

The role of oral vancomycin in preventing recurrence of C difficile infection (CDI) in at-risk persons receiving systemic antibiotic for non-CDI infection remains unclear after randomized trial.

This week, Moderna’s mRNA-1010 flu vaccine showed strong phase 3 results, new research reveals that FMT may fail due to functional mismatches between donor microbes and the recipient’s gut, and more.

Findings from a multicenter US study confirm that RBL is a safe and effective microbiota-based therapy with sustained remission in a high-risk population with comorbidities.

Use of an AI-guided infection prevention bundle did not significantly reduce CDI incidence but was associated with increased antimicrobial stewardship.

At ASM Microbe 2025, researchers underscored the role of NAAT in outpatient CDI diagnosis and raised concerns over PPI-related risk in older, health care–associated cases.

A study presented at ASM Microbe 2025 questions the clinical value of adding enzyme immunoassays to PCR-based CDI diagnostics amid sensitivity concerns.

Multiple studies highlight fidaxomicin’s effectiveness across high-risk populations despite cost and access challenges, underscoring the need for education and stewardship to improve guideline adherence.

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.