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Published on: December 10, 2016
Clostridium difficile strains from community-associated infections
Brandi M Limbago1, Cherie M Long, Angela D Thompson
1Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, MS C-16, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. blimbago@cdc.gov
This study characterized Clostridium difficile isolates from community infections. Toxinotypes 0, III, and V were most common, revealing diverse C. difficile strains in the community.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of infectious diarrhea.
- Understanding the characteristics of community-associated C. difficile is crucial for infection control.
- Previous studies have focused less on community-acquired isolates compared to hospital-acquired ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Clostridium difficile isolates from presumed community-associated infections.
- To determine the toxinotypes, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Toxinotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and PCR for tcdC and cdtB genes were employed.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates.
- A total of 92 C. difficile isolates were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nine distinct toxinotypes (TOX) and 31 different PFGE patterns were identified.
- Toxinotype 0 was the most prevalent (52%), followed by Toxinotype III (20%) and Toxinotype V (10%).
- Three isolates were found to be nontoxigenic, and antimicrobial susceptibility data revealed varying resistance patterns.
Conclusions:
- Community-associated Clostridium difficile infections are caused by a diverse range of strains.
- The prevalence of specific toxinotypes suggests potential differences in transmission or virulence in the community setting.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings and guide public health interventions.
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