CloDiCHI eng

CloDiCHI study

Infection with the gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of diarrhoea in hospitals. Current (antibiotic) treatments often fail to prevent recurrence of the bacterium. Therefore, new treatments are needed.

The Clostridioides bacterium can be present in the intestines of healthy individuals without causing symptoms (colonisation). However, in some people, it can lead to diarrhoea. It is unclear why some individuals develop symptoms while others do not. Previous research suggests that other bacteria in the gut (gut microbiota) and the immune system play a role in protecting against the Clostridioides bacterium. However, which specific components of the gut microbiota and immune system provide protection is still unknown. Gaining more knowledge in this area could facilitate the development of new treatments for Clostridioides infections. This research may also be used in the future to test the effectiveness of new treatments.

In the CloDiCHI study, we investigate the safety and tolerability of exposure to the gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile in healthy participants. Additionally, we aim to determine which dosing regimen (with or without antibiotic pre-treatment) is required to induce mild diarrhoea in most participants and which factors influence this process.