Studies of Treatment Effects, Host-Pathogen Responses, and Therapeutic Mechanisms in Clostridioides Difficile Infection

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how different treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) work and the biological processes involved in recovery. This observational study compares standard antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to understand how these therapies affect treatment outcomes, gut microbiota changes, intestinal barriers, immune responses, and patient quality of life. The study follows adult patients with verified CDI receiving routine care, aiming to uncover factors linked to recovery or treatment failure over time. Participants receive either antibiotics or FMT as part of their usual medical care, with treatment choices made by their doctors. Biological samples such as stool, blood, urine, and nasal swabs are collected during the acute infection and follow-up periods, with more frequent stool sampling after FMT to monitor early changes. A subgroup may undergo repeated lower colon biopsies to study mucosal healing. The study includes long-term follow-up for up to five years to evaluate ongoing effects and treatment responses. During the study, participants will provide various biological samples and complete questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life. Researchers will assess treatment outcomes at 2 and 8 weeks, including sustained cure and recurrence, and monitor microbiota diversity, metabolic profiles, intestinal barrier function, and immune markers. The study aims to deepen understanding of how antibiotics and FMT lead to recovery in CDI and support future improvements in microbiota-based treatments.

Clostridioides Difficile: Understanding Responses and Treatment Effects