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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Statement of Removal
Yousra Mikrat1,2, Anthony Adjamian1,2, Zineb Elidrissi1,2
1Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, France.
Emerging Microbes & Infections
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Genomic analysis of Clostridium butyricum strains revealed distinct plasmid profiles. These differences were associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, suggesting a role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe, often fatal gastrointestinal disease affecting preterm infants.
- Clostridium butyricum is found in the gut microbiome, but its role in NEC is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic differences in Clostridium butyricum strains isolated from NEC patients and asymptomatic carriers.
- To identify potential virulence factors associated with NEC development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of 32 Clostridium butyricum strains (25 asymptomatic, 7 NEC).
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine strain clustering.
- Plasmid profiling to identify genetic elements and their distribution.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis identified two main clusters; Cluster 2 was predominantly associated with NEC patients.
- Six plasmids were identified, varying in size and gene content.
- Specific plasmid profiles were observed between clusters, including the largest Clostridium butyricum plasmid reported.
- Plasmid differences correlated with NEC status.
Conclusions:
- Genomic and plasmid profile variations in Clostridium butyricum are linked to NEC.
- Specific plasmids may contribute to the virulence potential of Clostridium butyricum in NEC pathogenesis.
- Further research into these plasmids could reveal therapeutic targets for NEC.
