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Updated: May 3, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
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Clostridium difficile infection: a worldwide disease
Kristin E Burke1, J Thomas Lamont1
1Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Gut and Liver
|February 12, 2014
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a severe colitis, causes significant global illness and death. Prompt recognition and infection control are crucial for managing this emerging pathogen, especially in Asia.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, toxigenic bacterium responsible for infectious colitis.
- This condition leads to substantial worldwide morbidity and mortality.
- While established in Western countries, C. difficile is an emerging pathogen in Asia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management of Clostridium difficile infections.
- To highlight the increasing global burden of C. difficile.
- To emphasize the need for prompt diagnosis and control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on C. difficile.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile causes severe infectious colitis with significant health impacts.
- Disease is driven by bacterial toxins and host immune response.
- Geographic spread is increasing, notably in Asia.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition of Clostridium difficile is essential for effective management.
- Appropriate infection control practices are necessary to mitigate spread and impact.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of CDI is key to reducing its global burden.
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