Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
9.5K
Novel approaches to treating Clostridium difficile-associated colitis.
David Padua1, Charalabos Pothoulakis1
1a Department of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 9, 2015
Summary
Clostridium difficile infections pose a growing threat with increasing rates. Novel therapeutics are under investigation to combat this disease by targeting the gut barrier, immune system, and toxins.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Microbiology
- * Gastroenterology
Background:
- * Clostridium difficile is an emerging public health concern.
- * Rising infection rates and disease burden highlight treatment challenges.
- * Standard therapies are effective but insufficient for the growing threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the increasing threat of Clostridium difficile infections.
- * To explore novel therapeutic strategies beyond standard treatments.
- * To discuss the potential of new approaches in managing Clostridium difficile.
Main Methods:
- * Review of epidemiological data on Clostridium difficile infection rates.
- * Analysis of current treatment efficacies and limitations.
- * Examination of emerging therapeutic targets and strategies.
Main Results:
- * Clostridium difficile infections represent a significant and escalating health-care challenge.
- * Existing treatments face limitations in addressing the increasing disease burden.
- * Promising novel therapies are in early stages of development.
Conclusions:
- * New therapeutic approaches are essential to combat Clostridium difficile.
- * Future treatments will focus on enhancing the microbial barrier, immune activation, and toxin neutralization.
- * Clinical data in the coming years will guide the implementation of these novel therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
932
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...
932
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
869
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
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...
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...
869
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
613
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide...
613
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
664
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
664
01:18Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
539
Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
539
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
1.2K
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.2K