Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Pittsburgh received a $430,024 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded July 8, 2026, with a completion date of June 30, 2028. This research initiative investigates intestinal interactions between Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens type F, two major bacterial pathogens responsible for gastrointestinal disease in humans. The project examines how these pathogens and their toxins—specifically Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE)—interact within the dysbiotic intestinal microbiota, a condition frequently resulting from antibiotic therapy. Research focuses on understanding co-infections and the role of neuraminidase (NanI), a sialidase enzyme produced by Clostridium perfringens, in disease pathogenesis.

This research addresses a significant public health concern, as Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a pathogen of urgent concern and commonly presents as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, or toxic megacolon. The project builds on epidemiological evidence indicating that both pathogens are frequently detected together in clinical specimens from infected patients and animals, yet their interactive mechanisms have not been systematically evaluated. The research will generate scientific knowledge to inform improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing complex, multi-pathogen gastrointestinal infections in human patients.