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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
The challenges posed by reemerging Clostridium difficile infection.
David B Blossom1, L Clifford McDonald
1Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Summary
Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing due to a hypervirulent strain resistant to fluoroquinolones. This epidemic impacts diverse populations, necessitating improved diagnostics, treatments, and infection control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Recent increases in Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) incidence and severity observed.
- Emergence of a hypervirulent C. difficile strain producing toxins A, B, and binary toxin.
- This strain exhibits increased fluoroquinolone resistance, coinciding with CDAD outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the changing epidemiology of CDAD.
- To discuss the challenges in diagnostics, treatment, and infection control.
- To emphasize the need for collaboration between clinicians and public health professionals.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of CDAD trends.
- Review of emerging C. difficile strains and their characteristics.
- Assessment of current diagnostic, therapeutic, and control limitations.
Main Results:
- A hypervirulent C. difficile strain is becoming epidemic.
- This strain shows increased resistance to fluoroquinolones.
- Severe CDAD cases reported in previously low-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- The changing epidemiology of CDAD presents significant challenges.
- Current diagnostic, treatment, and infection control methods are limited.
- A collaborative effort between infectious disease clinicians and public health professionals is crucial.
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