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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Foodborne transmission of Clostridioides difficile: a review
1Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Leeds, Old Medical School, Thoresby Place, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Purpose Of Review:
The epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is changing, with increasing rates of community-acquired infections. In light of recent advances in understanding C. difficile transmission networks with whole-genome sequencing, new routes of spread outside the hospital need to be considered. This review examines the evidence behind food as a driver of C. difficile dissemination.
Recent Findings:
Recently published studies adding to the existing body of literature supporting C. difficile as a foodborne pathogen are discussed. Specifically, new evidence on the presence of C. difficile in root vegetables is reviewed. Whole genome sequencing studies delineating local and global transmission networks, in which the food chain may play a large role, are presented. Additional research implicating trehalose in the food industry and C. difficile is examined.
Summary:
Genomic studies show that a new approach to studying C. difficile transmission is needed. Further research on C. difficile epidemiology should shift from a primarily nosocomial setting to include the community and environment at large, and attention given to implications of the food chain in the spread of this pathogen.
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