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Restriction endonuclease DNA analysis of Clostridium difficile
1Department of Medical Microbiology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Restriction endonuclease DNA analysis effectively distinguishes Clostridium difficile strains. This method confirmed a single source during a hospital outbreak and aids in epidemiological studies of C. difficile.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated colitis.
- Accurate strain typing is crucial for understanding C. difficile transmission and outbreaks.
- Previous typing methods relied on protein profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate HindIII restriction enzyme digestion of genomic DNA as a method for typing Clostridium difficile strains.
- To compare DNA digestion patterns with existing protein profile-based typing.
- To assess the utility of DNA analysis in tracking C. difficile epidemiology, including hospital outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Genomic DNA was extracted from nine distinct Clostridium difficile strains.
- DNA was digested using the HindIII restriction enzyme.
- DNA digestion patterns were analyzed and compared to protein profile typing results.
Main Results:
- Each Clostridium difficile strain identified by protein profile had a unique DNA digestion pattern.
- DNA analysis confirmed a single C. difficile strain responsible for a hospital outbreak, with identical DNA profiles in isolates from 10 patients.
- Isolates from worldwide sources showed similar DNA digestion patterns within the same strain type.
Conclusions:
- Restriction endonuclease DNA analysis is a sensitive and effective method for Clostridium difficile strain typing.
- This technique provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of C. difficile.
- DNA fingerprinting aids in identifying sources of infection and tracking transmission during outbreaks.