Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Interaction between the intestinal microbiota and host in Clostridium difficile colonization resistance
Robert A Britton1, Vincent B Young
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Trends in Microbiology
|May 19, 2012
Summary
Antibiotic use disrupts the gut microbiota, increasing susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). This review explores how microbiota normally prevents CDI and how antibiotics lead to this prevalent nosocomial infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of nosocomial infections.
- The pathogenesis of CDI is not fully understood.
- Antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for CDI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the indigenous microbiota in preventing CDI.
- To explore how antibiotics disrupt host-microbiota homeostasis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying antibiotic-induced susceptibility to CDI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on CDI pathogenesis.
- Analysis of host-microbiota interactions.
- Examination of antibiotic effects on gut homeostasis.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota normally inhibits C. difficile colonization and virulence.
- Antibiotics disrupt this protective microbial community.
- This disruption leads to an imbalance (dysbiosis) that facilitates CDI.
Conclusions:
- Understanding host-microbiota interactions is crucial for preventing CDI.
- Targeting microbiota restoration may offer therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully define CDI pathogenesis and develop effective interventions.
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