PLAQARD - PLAQue As a Reservoir for C. Difficile

Start date: 17 September 2025
End date: 31 March 2026
Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Primary investigator: Dr Jon Vernon
Co-investigators: Dr Fiona McGill, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Description

Thank you for your interest in our research study.

Our study explores whether dental plaque could act as a hiding spot for C. difficile and potentially contribute to recurring gut infections. By comparing oral samples from individuals with and without C. difficile infections, we aim to uncover new insights that could transform how we understand and manage these health issues.

C. difficile is a harmful gut bacterium that causes severe damage to the colon and leads to relapsing infections in up to 30% of patients. Recent studies suggest a surprising link between gum disease and the presence of this bacterium in the mouth, with 79% of individuals with severe gum disease showing traces of C. difficile.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to take part, 18 or over, have more than two natural teeth, and have no history of a C. difficile infection, you may be eligible. Please follow the link to the participant information sheet and consent document below, to learn more about how you can contribute to this important research.

IRAS NUMBER: 345631

DenTCRU Website

Downloads

NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre - participant information sheet and consent document