Updating changes in human gut microbial communities associated with Clostridioides difficile infection

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Clostridioides difficile is a primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a significant global health concern.
• Altered intestinal microbiota composition is a key factor promoting the progression of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).
• Microbial species from bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses interact synergistically and antagonistically in CDI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of human microbiota composition changes associated with CDI.
• To adopt an integral approach considering all microorganism domains (bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, viruses).
• To explore the contribution of different life domains to intestinal homeostasis and CDI pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent data on CDI and human microbiota.
• Integral analysis incorporating multiple domains of life within the intestinal ecosystem.
• Examination of inter-microbial relationships and their impact on clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• The three domains of life play distinct roles in maintaining intestinal microbiota homeostasis.
• Interactions among microorganisms within the gut ecosystem can explain the diverse clinical presentations of CDI.
• Recent data highlight significant shifts in microbial composition during CDI.

Conclusions:

• A holistic understanding of the intestinal ecosystem is crucial for advancing CDI research.
• Identifying new predictive factors for CDI is facilitated by a comprehensive view of microbial interactions.
• Developing improved diagnostic tools and treatments for CDI can be achieved through understanding the complex microbiota.