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Epidemiologic markers of Clostridium difficile.

S Tabaqchali1

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, United Kingdom.

Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Epidemiologic markers for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) were identified using phenotypic and genetic methods. These markers improve understanding of CDI transmission and patient outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of C. difficile is crucial for infection control.
  • Various markers have been explored to track C. difficile strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss epidemiologic markers for Clostridium difficile.
  • To highlight the contribution of these markers to understanding C. difficile-associated disease.
  • To present advancements in typing methods and their application.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic markers: antibiotic resistance, bacteriocin/bacteriophage susceptibility, protein patterns, immunologic markers.
  • Genetic markers: plasmid analysis, DNA restriction endonuclease analysis, ribosomal RNA restriction patterns.
  • Radiolabeling with [35S]methionine for protein pattern analysis and automated scanning.

Main Results:

  • Identification of 15 distinct Clostridium difficile types based on major radiolabeled protein patterns.
  • Demonstration of strain-specific and immunogenic proteins via immunoblotting and DNA analysis.
  • Epidemiologic studies revealed cross-infection, nosocomial acquisition, and symptom correlation with C. difficile type.

Conclusions:

  • Epidemiologic markers are vital for understanding Clostridium difficile transmission and disease.
  • Advanced typing methods, including protein and DNA-based approaches, enhance strain discrimination.
  • Development of DNA probes for key virulence factors and antigens shows promise for future diagnostics and surveillance.

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