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Clostridium difficile colonization and antibiotics response in PolyFermS continuous model mimicking elderly
Sophie Fehlbaum1, Christophe Chassard1, Sophie Annick Poeker1
1Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Gut Pathogens
|December 17, 2016
Summary
Clostridium difficile (CD) colonized gut models in vitro, but antibiotic treatments had varied effects. Metronidazole temporarily reduced CD, yet recurrence was rapid, suggesting host factors are crucial for protection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Clostridium difficile (CD) is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in the elderly.
- Investigating CD colonization and antibiotic effects in elderly fecal microbiota is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Clostridium difficile (CD) colonization in novel in vitro fermentation models.
- To assess the impact of antibiotic treatments on CD colonization and gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two continuous intestinal PolyFermS models with immobilized elderly microbiota.
- Tested colonization of two CD strains (vegetative cells and spores) under different conditions.
- Administered ceftriaxone or metronidazole to assess effects on microbiota, CD colonization, and toxin production.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile colonized transverse-distal colon conditions, producing stable toxin levels.
- Ceftriaxone showed minimal impact on microbiota and CD colonization.
- Metronidazole temporarily reduced CD counts but led to rapid recurrence, altering microbiota composition.
Conclusions:
- Stable Clostridium difficile colonization can be induced in vitro without ceftriaxone.
- Metronidazole treatment transiently reduced CD, mirroring in vivo recurrence patterns.
- In vitro colonization suggests host factors significantly contribute to protection against CD infection.
