Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 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: controversies and approaches to management
Martijn P Bauer1, Jaap T van Dissel, Ed J Kuijper
1Department of Infectious Diseases, The Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) management faces challenges with treatment refractoriness and recurrence. New antimicrobial therapies and alternative treatments like immunotherapy are under investigation, but evidence-based guidance is still pending.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence is rising, presenting significant clinical management challenges.
- Key issues in CDI management include treatment refractoriness and high recurrence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in antimicrobial therapy for CDI.
- To explore emerging alternative treatment modalities for managing CDI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent clinical trials and studies on CDI treatments.
- Analysis of antimicrobial agents, immunotherapy, and faecotherapy for CDI.
Main Results:
- Oral vancomycin demonstrates superiority over metronidazole for severe CDI.
- New antimicrobials like nitazoxanide and fidaxomicin show promise; their roles require further establishment.
- Intravenous antibodies may reduce CDI recurrence; probiotics lack supporting evidence, and faecotherapy trials are ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence-based guidance for managing refractory CDI and preventing recurrence is lacking.
- Clinical trial results for novel antimicrobials, immunotherapy, and faecotherapy are critically needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...