Influence of microflora by human monoclonal antibodies to Clostridium difficile toxins (MK-3415A) in a mouse infection model. C. difficile antibody influence on microbiota

The central aim of this research proposal is to examine if MK-3415A protects against recurrent CDI by facilitating re-establishment of colonization resistance against C. difficile through restoration of the normal mouse colonic microbiota. 1) Hypothesis: MK-3415A facilitates normalization of the gut microbiota in antibiotic-treated, C. difficile-challenged mice compared to control, untreated animals 2) Hypothesis: MK-3415A facilitates normalization of the intestinal microbiota in antibiotic-treated, C. difficile-challenged mice when compared to Vancomycin treatment. 3) Hypothesis: MK-3415A prevents recurrence of CDI after vancomycin treatment and protection is associated with normalization of the colonic microflora.