Pathogenic Mechanisms in C Diff Infection and Colitis

The purpose of this study is to examine pathogenic mechanisms of Clostridium difficile toxin-mediated intestinal injury and inflammation. Two primary mechanisms will be examined.

To examine the hypothesis is that microRNA expression profiles are dysregulated by Clostridium difficile toxin exposure and that dysregulation of miRNA expression plays a role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile associated diseases.

To examine the hypothesis is that the TLR9 receptor mediates key inflammatory events in response to Clostridium difficile toxin exposure.