The Research Behind Probiotics and Fecal Transplantation in Reducing C. Diff in Patients
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is more common in patients being treated with antibiotics and is often acquired in the healthcare setting. C. difficile is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the healthcare setting, and prevention and treatment are ongoing challenges, especially as antibiotic-resistant strains become increasingly common. The current treatment standard involves post-infection administration of vancomycin or metronidazole. However, emerging research is being done on the use of prophylactic probiotics in the prevention and treatment of C. difficile. While some research has been done in this area, there is a relative lack of large studies focusing specifically on older adults, who tend to be among the most vulnerable.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Mary Ramos
The Research Behind Probiotics and Fecal Transplantation in Reducing C. Diff in Patients
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is more common in patients being treated with antibiotics and is often acquired in the healthcare setting. C. difficile is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the healthcare setting, and prevention and treatment are ongoing challenges, especially as antibiotic-resistant strains become increasingly common. The current treatment standard involves post-infection administration of vancomycin or metronidazole. However, emerging research is being done on the use of prophylactic probiotics in the prevention and treatment of C. difficile. While some research has been done in this area, there is a relative lack of large studies focusing specifically on older adults, who tend to be among the most vulnerable.