Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Future novel therapeutic agents for Clostridium difficile infection
Hoonmo L Koo1, Kevin W Garey, Herbert L Dupont
1Baylor College of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. koo@bcm.tmc.edu
New therapies for Clostridium difficile infection are emerging, addressing high recurrence rates and treatment failures. Novel agents and immunotherapies show promise, but cost and resistance remain key considerations for C. difficile treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea.
- Rising incidence, mortality, and treatment failures necessitate novel therapeutic and preventative strategies for CDI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging therapeutic agents for C. difficile infection.
- To compare in vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of C. difficile.
- To evaluate clinical evidence for novel CDI treatments.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of public sources up to February 2009.
- Analysis of scientific journals and meeting abstracts.
- Inclusion of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility data.
Main Results:
- Several novel therapeutic agents for C. difficile infection are in clinical trials.
- In vitro data reveals varying antimicrobial susceptibilities for C. difficile.
- Emerging treatments show potential but face challenges.
Conclusions:
- New antimicrobial agents and immunotherapies are under development for CDI.
- Cost and antimicrobial resistance may impact the use of new CDI treatments.
- Passive and active immunotherapy represent promising future strategies for CDI prevention and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
