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Clostridioides difficile as a Potential Pathogen of Importance to One Health: A Review
Molly Mitchell1, Scott V Nguyen1,2, Guerrino Macori1
1UCD-Centre for Food Safety, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
|December 14, 2022
Summary
Clostridioides difficile, a cause of severe infections, is increasingly found in food animals and food products, suggesting a potential zoonotic transmission route. This highlights the need for a One Health approach to manage this evolving pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary microbiology and epidemiology
- Genomics and molecular biology
- Food safety and public health
Background:
- Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a significant bacterial enteropathogen causing severe infections, historically considered nosocomial.
- Recent findings show C. difficile spores in food-producing animals, soil, and food products, including hypervirulent strains.
- Increased antimicrobial use in clinical and veterinary settings may drive bacterial adaptation and environmental dissemination.
Approach:
- This review examines the epidemiology of C. difficile, its presence in food animals and products, and its evolving taxonomy.
- It discusses genomic elements linked to virulence and speciation, focusing on Clade 5 (ST11/RT078).
- Multi-omics technologies and advanced sequencing are highlighted as crucial tools for understanding transmission and virulence.
Key Points:
- C. difficile is no longer exclusively a nosocomial pathogen, with environmental reservoirs identified.
- Hypervirulent ribotypes (RTs) are present in food-producing animals and food matrices.
- The genus taxonomy is evolving, with Clade 5 (ST11/RT078) showing significant public health relevance.
Conclusions:
- C. difficile adaptation to new ecological niches and increased antimicrobial pressure necessitates a re-evaluation of its transmission dynamics.
- Considering C. difficile as a zoonotic bacterium within a One Health framework is crucial for effective veterinary public health strategies.
- Advanced genomic and multi-omics approaches are essential for understanding and mitigating the risks associated with this pathogen.
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