Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 046 is common among neonatal pigs and humans in Sweden

Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 046 was found in 67% of neonatal piglets (45/67) sampled from three separate pig-breeding farms in Sweden. Sows from the same farms were tested and 50% were colonized in faeces and 30% were colonized on skin. An environmental source was suggested because identical PCR ribotypes were isolated from faeces as well as externally. Human C. difficile infection outbreaks in southern Sweden by the identical PCR ribotype 046 indicate its zoonotic potential.