Uncovering the Secrets of a Gut Pathogen: New Project “meta-CDI” Funded by the Leibniz Association
What makes Clostridioides difficile such a successful pathogen—and what could future therapies look like? These are the central questions driving the new “meta-CDI” project, funded by the Leibniz Competition 2025.
Clostridioides difficile is one of the leading causes of antibiotic-associated intestinal infections. While many cases are mild, severe and even life-threatening infections have become increasingly common. Why this bacterium is so persistent and difficult to treat remains poorly understood.
The newly funded research initiative “meta-CDI” seeks to explore the molecular arsenal of C. difficile—in particular, its underexplored ability to produce antibiotic-like molecules and toxins that may disrupt the gut microbiota and influence disease progression. By applying state-of-the-art tools from molecular biology and analytical chemistry, the project team aims to uncover new bioactive compounds and clarify their role in microbial interactions within the gut ecosystem.
“I am delighted that we are able to make a contribution to learning more about the causes of this widespread disease as part of this Leibniz project and thus create the basis for new therapies.” – Prof. Dr. Christian Hertweck, Leibniz-HKI
Why this matters
C. difficile infections (CDIs) range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening conditions, and recurrence is a major clinical challenge—affecting about 25% of patients. Recurrent infections often lead to rehospitalization and place a considerable burden on healthcare systems. When antibiotics fail, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has become an emerging alternative to restore healthy gut flora. However, rising severity and mortality rates highlight the urgent need for more targeted treatments.
“meta-CDI” aims to deliver foundational knowledge that could support the development of new therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics or FMT.
Project partners
About the funding
The “meta-CDI” project is funded for three years through the prestigious Leibniz Competition, which supports excellent interdisciplinary research aligned with the strategic goals of the Leibniz Association and the Pact for Research and Innovation. In the 2025 selection round, a total of 27 projects have been awarded funding.