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Antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium difficile from different sources
Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Clostridium difficile strains show varied antibiotic resistance, with elderly patients and those on antibiotics exhibiting higher resistance to certain drugs. Tetracycline resistance was linked to lower toxigenicity in C. difficile.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Clostridium difficile strains from various adult populations.
- To investigate variations in resistance patterns based on age and antibiotic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Susceptibility testing of 79 Clostridium difficile isolates against 24 antimicrobial agents.
- Categorization of isolates based on patient demographics and clinical status (healthy young adults, elderly without GI disease, elderly on antibiotics, elderly with CDI).
Main Results:
- All strains were susceptible to rifampicin, metronidazole, fusidic acid, vancomycin, ampicillin, and penicillin G.
- High resistance observed against aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, and cycloserine.
- Increased resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin in elderly and antibiotic-exposed populations.
- Tetracycline resistance was associated with lower toxigenicity.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile exhibits diverse antimicrobial resistance, influenced by host factors like age and antibiotic use.
- Metronidazole, vancomycin, and newer agents remain effective against most C. difficile strains.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of varying resistance and toxigenicity profiles.