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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Epidemiology and typing of Clostridium difficile
P Jumaa1, B Wren, S Tabaqchali
1Department of Medical Microbiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, UK.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Clostridium difficile is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly diarrhea and colitis. Antibiotic use is a major risk factor, but age and illness also play roles in C. difficile infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial enteric infections.
- These infections manifest as pseudomembranous colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Antibiotic therapy is identified as the primary risk factor for C. difficile colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the epidemiology and pathogenicity of Clostridium difficile.
- To understand the factors contributing to C. difficile colonization and infection.
- To investigate hospital acquisition and cross-infection dynamics of C. difficile.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reliable typing and fingerprinting methods for C. difficile analysis.
- Epidemiological investigation of hospital-acquired infections.
- Pathogenicity studies of C. difficile strains.
Main Results:
- Confirmed Clostridium difficile as a prevalent nosocomial enteric pathogen.
- Established antibiotic therapy as the most significant risk factor.
- Identified age and underlying illness as contributing factors.
- Demonstrated hospital acquisition and cross-infection through typing methods.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile infections are a significant healthcare concern.
- Understanding risk factors, including antibiotic use, age, and illness, is crucial.
- Typing methods have enhanced the comprehension of C. difficile epidemiology and transmission.
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