Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
11:13
Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
Published on: September 14, 2013
40.1K
The evolving epidemic of Clostridium difficile 630
Adam P Roberts1, Wiep Klaas Smits2
1Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
Anaerobe
|May 7, 2018
Summary
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) strains have evolved unique genetic lineages due to widespread lab dispersal. A community genome sequencing effort aims to trace the evolutionary history of these important pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogen Evolution
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant human and animal pathogen.
- Genetic tools for C. difficile research are relatively new.
- Widespread dispersal of C. difficile strains has led to diverse lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of Clostridium difficile 630, a key reference strain.
- To initiate a community-wide genome sequencing study.
- To trace the global evolution of C. difficile strains in research settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of C. difficile 630 history and derivatives.
- Community-wide genome sequencing initiative.
- Comparative genomic analysis of geographically dispersed strains.
Main Results:
- The history of C. difficile 630 and its derivatives is complex.
- Genotypic differences among C. difficile lineages are likely to impact phenotype.
- A significant need exists for a unified understanding of strain evolution.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the evolution of C. difficile strains is crucial for interpreting research findings.
- A collaborative genome sequencing effort can elucidate strain divergence.
- Further research into C. difficile lineage evolution is warranted.
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