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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Clostridium difficile 30 years on: what has, or has not, changed and why?
1Research Service, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Avenue, Building 1, Room C344, Hines, IL 60141, USA. dale.gerding2@va.gov
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has resurged globally, with higher morbidity and mortality. Understanding the host-organism interaction is key to developing new prevention and treatment strategies for this antibiotic-associated colitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clindamycin-associated colitis, reported in 1974, prompted research into its cause.
- In 1978, Clostridium difficile and its toxins were identified as the causative agents.
- Antibiotic use has historically been linked to this severe gastrointestinal complication.
Observation:
- A significant resurgence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is occurring in North America and Europe.
- Current CDI cases exhibit higher morbidity and mortality rates than previously reported.
- This resurgence contrasts with the perceived manageability of the disease 30 years ago.
Findings:
- Over the past 30 years, significant discoveries have advanced the understanding of CDI pathogenesis.
- Key breakthroughs include identifying Clostridium difficile and its toxins.
- Research has focused on the relationship between the organism and the host at the mucosal level.
Implications:
- Future research should prioritize understanding the host-organism interaction at the mucosal level.
- Development of novel biotherapeutic and vaccine strategies for CDI prevention is crucial.
- Addressing the rising incidence and severity of CDI requires a deeper scientific understanding.
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