Effect of yogurt on clindamycin-induced Clostridium difficile colitis in hamsters

Yogurt exhibits in vitro bactericidal activity against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, including Clostridium difficile. In the present studies, we tested whether yogurt ingestion could prevent or ameliorate antibiotic associated colitis in the clindamycin-treated hamster model. Male golden Syrian hamsters were given 5 mg/kg clindamycin subcutaneously 24 hr before and 6 hr following inoculation with 0.5 ml of less than 10, 10(3), 10(5), or 10(6) CFU/ml of C. difficile. Hamsters in the control group ingested chow and water ad libitum, whereas the experimental group ingested chow and a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of yogurt and water ad libitum, beginning 24 hr before the first injection of clindamycin and continuing throughout the course of the study. Animals were monitored for colonization with C. difficile, pathological evidence of colitis, and death. Mortality was 100% in yogurt-treated animals, and all animals showed histological changes of severe colitis. Fecal and intestinal segment cultures were positive for C. difficile in all animals. Thus, in the hamster model, we found no evidence to support the possible efficacy of yogurt in the prevention of C. difficile colitis.