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Spatio-temporal variability of the epidemic 027 Clostridium difficile strains in France based on MLVA typing

Jeanne Couturier1, Catherine Eckert2, Frédéric Barbut2

  • 1National Reference Laboratory for C. difficile, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 34 rue Crozatier, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Pharmacie, EA4065, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.

Anaerobe
|August 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) revealed specific Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 clones persisting in hospitals. This molecular typing identified outbreak-associated strains, aiding in infection control efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
  • PCR ribotype 027 is a hypervirulent and prevalent strain associated with severe CDI.
  • Understanding strain dynamics and transmission is crucial for effective CDI control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity and clonal persistence of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 strains.
  • To assess the utility of Multilocus Variable-number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) for tracking CDI outbreaks.
  • To identify potential regional specificities and long-term presence of specific clones within healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 103 Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 strains using MLVA.
  • Capillary electrophoresis PCR ribotyping for strain characterization.
  • Epidemiological data correlation with molecular typing results.

Main Results:

  • MLVA demonstrated significant regional specificity of PCR ribotype 027 strains.
  • The same specific clone was observed persisting within a single hospital over several years.
  • Seven 027 variant strains and five 176 strains were identified, with four implicated in a hospital outbreak.

Conclusions:

  • MLVA is a valuable tool for assessing the molecular epidemiology of Clostridium difficile.
  • Specific clones of C. difficile PCR ribotype 027 can persist within hospitals for extended periods.
  • Molecular typing aids in the identification of outbreak-related strains and informs infection control strategies.
Keywords:
Clostridium difficileMLVAPCR ribotype 027Spatio-temporal variabilityVNTR

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