CDC NOFO spotlights antimicrobial-resistance work and microbiome guidance, seeks standards for testing and clinical recommendations

CDC program leads used the webinar to outline Component 3 priorities that center on antimicrobial resistance (AR), healthcare-associated infections and the role of the human microbiome in patient outcomes.

Michael Craig, Director of the AR Coordination and Strategy Unit and deputy division director at the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, said the NOFO will fund work that "strengthen[s] the nation's healthcare safety infrastructure through innovation, collaboration, and implementation of evidence-based practices that reduce infectious disease threats while improving patient outcomes." Dr. Cliff McDonald described two priority project areas: developing evidence-based dietary recommendations to support microbiome recovery after healthcare-associated dysbiosis and convening experts to create standards for microbiome laboratory testing and diagnostics.

Why it matters: The presenters said microbiome disruptions can result from common healthcare exposures—antibiotics, surgery and severe illness—and that better clinical guidance and standardization of diagnostics could help clinicians mitigate infection risks and evaluate therapy effectiveness.

Specific asks: Funded partners would be expected to synthesize evidence and produce clinically relevant dietary recommendations adaptable for patients with food sensitivities, conduct systematic reviews where needed, and publish open-access resources and standards aligned with FDA, CLIA, CAP and CMS frameworks. The NOFO also seeks expertise in diagnostic stewardship, antimicrobial stewardship, and development of clinical decision support and training for improved antibiotic prescribing.

Dental stewardship and vulnerable populations: Lauri Hicks, Branch Chief for Medical Product Safety, called out the dental sector and cancer care: "We have known for a long time that over 10% of all antibiotics used in humans are prescribed by dentists," she said, and urged proposals that support dental antibiotic prescribing guidelines and quality measures. Hicks also noted the importance of infection prevention for immunocompromised cancer patients and requested training, stewardship and diagnostic stewardship capabilities tailored to those settings.

Next steps: Applicants proposing microbiome or AR work should demonstrate capacity in evidence grading, consensus processes, laboratory and clinical expertise, and experience publishing and disseminating standards and guidance.