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Nho SW, Kim M, Kim SJ, Foley SL, Nayak R, Kweon O, Cerniglia CE. Pragmatic Strategy for Fecal Specimen Storage and the Corresponding Test Methods for Clostridioides difficile Diagnosis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081049. [PMID: 34451512 PMCID: PMC8400358 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of fecal specimens is one of the factors responsible for successful Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) diagnosis. The quality depends largely on the storage conditions, including the temperature and time period. In this study, we organized the outputs of previous studies, filled experimental gaps in the knowledge of storage conditions, and introduced a pragmatic strategy for fecal storage for CDI diagnosis. A 5-step pathway was adopted to develop the fecal specimen storage strategy as follows: step 1, bibliomic analysis; step 2, experimental gap-filling; step 3, comparative evaluation; step 4, strategy development; step 5, internal review. Step 1 identified eight articles providing experimental information on the effects of fecal specimen storage conditions on the effectiveness of C. difficile detection methods. Step 2 provided additional quantitative data on C. difficile vegetative and spore cell viability and DNA stability. All previous and current results were compared (step 3). In step 4, fir general and nine special strategies were developed, followed by an internal review of the overall approaches (step 5). It is recommended to separate fecal samples into aliquots before testing and storing them. It is particularly recommended that fecal specimen samples be stored for CDI diagnosis at 4 °C for up to 60 days for all test methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Won Nho
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Minjae Kim
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Seong-Jae Kim
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Steven L. Foley
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Rajesh Nayak
- Office of Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA;
| | - Ohgew Kweon
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Carl E. Cerniglia
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (S.W.N.); (M.K.); (S.-J.K.); (S.L.F.)
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (C.E.C.)
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Kopper JJ, Willette JA, Kogan CJ, Seguin A, Bolin SR, Schott HC. Detection of pathogens in blood or feces of adult horses with enteric disease and association with outcome of colitis. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2465-2472. [PMID: 34382708 PMCID: PMC8478065 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rates of detecting ≥1 potential enteric pathogens (PEP) or toxins (PEP‐T) in feces, blood, or both of horses ≥6 months of age with enteric disease and impact of multiple detections on outcome of horses with colitis has not been reported. Objective To determine detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in feces, blood, or both of horses with enteric disease and effect of detecting multiple agents on outcome of horses with colitis. Animals Thirty‐seven hundred fifty‐three fecal samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and 239 fecal and blood samples submitted to Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSUVDL). Methods Retrospective evaluation of PEP/PEP‐T testing results was performed to determine rates of detection of 1 or more PEP/PEP‐T. Impact of detecting multiple agents on outcome was assessed in 239 horses hospitalized for colitis. Results One or more PEP/PEP‐T was detected in 1175/3753 (31.3%) and 145/239 (60.7%) of samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and MSUVDL, respectively. In a hospitalized cohort, survival to discharge was lower (76%) in horses with 1 agent, compared to horses with either no (88%) or multiple (89%) agents. There was no difference (P = .78) in days of hospitalization between horses with 0 (1–17), 1 (1–33), and > 1 positive (1–20) result. There was no difference in cost of hospitalization (P = .25) between horses with 0 ($2357, $1110‐15 553), 1 ($2742, $788‐11 005), and >1 positive ($2560, $1091‐10 895) result. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in horses with colitis vary with cohorts and tests performed. Detection of more than 1 PEP or PEP‐T did not affect outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jaclyn A Willette
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Clark J Kogan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Alexis Seguin
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc, Westbrook, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven R Bolin
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Harold C Schott
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Dharmasena M, Wang H, Wei T, Bridges WC, Jiang X. Survival of Clostridioides difficile in finished dairy compost under controlled conditions. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:996-1006. [PMID: 33450103 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM The survival of Clostridioides difficile (previously Clostridium difficile) vegetative cells and endospores was compared at different levels of indigenous microflora using autoclaved and unautoclaved dairy composts with different moisture contents (MCs). METHODS AND RESULTS Both types of composts adjusted to 20, 30 and 40% MCs were inoculated with a suspension of C. difficile that contained both vegetative cells (c. 5-6 log CFU per gram) and endospores (c. 5·0 CFU per gram), and then stored aerobically inside a humidity-controlled chamber at room temperature 22·5 ± 0·8°C for 1 year. The level of indigenous microflora was very stable during the storage after day 7 in both types of compost. The greatest reductions of C. difficile vegetative cell counts occurred during the first 24 h of storage in autoclaved and unautoclaved composts, which had 4·7 and 5·5 log CFU per gram with 20% MC, 1·8 and 2·1 log CFU per gram with 30% MC, and 2·3 and 1·3 log CFU per gram with 40% MC, respectively. Both MC and the duration of storage have significant (P < 0·05) effects on the survival of vegetative cells for first 120 days of storage. The slow inactivation of C. difficile vegetative cells at higher MCs during aerobic storage was confirmed by exponentially decaying modelling data during the early stage of aerobic exposure. The reduction of endospore counts (<1·0 log CFU per gram) during the storage for both types of compost at all MCs was not significant (P > 0·05) except for the autoclaved compost with 30% MC. CONCLUSION The highly resistant C. difficile endospores to the unfavourable environmental conditions survived for more than a year while vegetative cells died off exponentially upon the initial aerobic exposure. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The long-term survival of C. difficile endospores in contaminated compost may transmit the pathogen to fresh produce, animals or water in pre-harvest conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dharmasena
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - H Wang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - T Wei
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - W C Bridges
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - X Jiang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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Tanaka M, Onizuka S, Mishima R, Nakayama J. Cultural isolation of spore-forming bacteria in human feces using bile acids. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15041. [PMID: 32929101 PMCID: PMC7490687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Structurally-diversified bile acids (BAs) are involved in shaping of intestinal microbiota as well as absorption of dietary lipids. Taurocholic acid, a conjugated form of BA, has been reported to be a factor triggering germination of a wide range of spore-forming bacteria in intestine. To test a hypothesis that other BAs also promote germination of intestinal bacteria, we attempted culture of bacteria from ethanol-treated feces by using a series of BAs. It was found that conjugated-BAs, notably three glycine-conjugated BAs, glycodeoxycholic acid and glycochenodeoxycholic acid, significantly increased the number and the species variety of colonies formed on the agar plate. These colonized bacteria mostly belonged to class Clostridia, mainly consisting of families Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae. There were several types of bacteria associated with different sensitivity to each BA. Eventually, we isolated 72 bacterial species of which 61 are known and 11 novel. These results demonstrate that the culturable range of bacteria in intestine can be widened using the germination-inducing activity of BAs. This approach would advance the research on spore-forming Clostridia that contains important but difficult-to-cultured bacteria associate with host health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sakura Onizuka
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Riko Mishima
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jiro Nakayama
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Grześkowiak Ł, Riedmüller J, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Storage procedures and time influence the detectability of Clostridium difficile toxin A but not toxin B in porcine fecal specimens. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 32:222-225. [PMID: 31328697 PMCID: PMC7081514 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719864383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Storage procedures are known to affect the detectability of Clostridium difficile toxins in equine and human feces. We assessed the impact of different storage conditions on the detectability of C. difficile toxins in swine feces. Specimens were inoculated with toxins, 112 ng/g of toxin A (TcdA) and 16 ng/g of toxin B (TcdB) and subjected to the following 3 storage treatments: 4°C, −30°C, repetitive freezing at −30°C and thawing. Toxin determination was assessed at 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 d with ELISA. A decrease in concentrations of TcdA with time was observed for samples stored at 4°C and repetitive freezing–thawing (p ≤0.05). On day 14, storage at 4°C resulted in decreased TcdA concentration as opposed to storage at −30°C and repetitive freezing–thawing (p ≤0.05). On day 21, storage at 4°C resulted in decreased TcdA detectability compared with storage at −30°C (p ≤0.05). The TcdB concentration was unaffected. These results on toxin detectability in swine feces should be carefully considered in in vitro studies on toxigenic C. difficile. Our results also offer valuable information for microbiologists and veterinarians monitoring the presence of virulent C. difficile in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grześkowiak
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Candel-Pérez C, Ros-Berruezo G, Martínez-Graciá C. A review of Clostridioides [Clostridium] difficile occurrence through the food chain. Food Microbiol 2019; 77:118-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Evaluation of growth and sporulation of a non-toxigenic strain of Clostridioides difficile (Z31) and its shelf viability. Braz J Microbiol 2019; 50:263-269. [PMID: 30637658 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-018-0023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral administration of non-toxigenic strains of Clostridioides difficile (NTCD) is currently showing promising results for the prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in humans and animals, and is being considered as a possible commercial product to be used in the near future. The aim of this work was to evaluate five culture media for the growth and sporulation of one NTCD (Z31) and evaluate the viability of a lyophilized spore solution of NTCD Z31 stored at 4 °C or at 25 °C for 2 years. Reinforced clostridial medium (RCM) and brain heart infusion broth (BHI) provided the highest production of NTCD Z31 spores. In the first 6 months of the storage of the lyophilized solution, a reduction in spore count of approximately 0.3 Log10 CFU/mL was observed; however, no further significant reduction in spore count was observed up to 24 months. No difference in spore concentration was found between the two storage temperatures from 6 to 24 months of storage. The present work showed BHI and RCM to be the best choices for the growth and sporulation of NTCD Z31 and suggested that the spores of NTCD Z31 are stable for up to 2 years under both temperature conditions.
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Andrés-Lasheras S, Martín-Burriel I, Mainar-Jaime RC, Morales M, Kuijper E, Blanco JL, Chirino-Trejo M, Bolea R. Preliminary studies on isolates of Clostridium difficile from dogs and exotic pets. BMC Vet Res 2018. [PMID: 29523201 PMCID: PMC5845233 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is recognised as an emerging disease in both humans and some animal species. During the past few years, insights into human CDI epidemiology changed and C. difficile is also considered as an emerging community-acquired pathogen. Certain ribotypes (RT) are possibly associated with zoonotic transmission. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of C. difficile in a population of pets and to characterise the isolates. Results Faecal samples from a total of 90 diarrhoeic dogs and 24 from exotic animal species (both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic) were analysed. Clostridium difficile was isolated from 6 (6.7%) dogs and one reptile sample (4.2%). Four (66.7%) of the six dog strains were capable of producing toxins. Four known different RTs were detected in dogs (010, 014, 123 and 358) and a new one was found in a faecal sample of an exotic animal. This new RT isolate was negative for all toxin genes tested and belonged to sequence type 347 which has been proposed as a Clade-III member. Importantly, two dog strains showed a stable resistance to metronidazole (initial MIC values: 128 and 48 μg/ml). Conclusions The results obtained in this study suggest the implementation of antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance programs to assess the prevalence of metronidazole resistance in dogs; molecular studies to elucidate C. difficile metronidazole resistance mechanisms are warranted. Based on the similarity between the ribotypes observed in dogs and those described in humans, the zoonotic transmission should be further explored. Furthermore, exotic animals have shown to harbor uncommon C. difficile strains which require further genomic studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1402-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Andrés-Lasheras
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Inma Martín-Burriel
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raúl Carlos Mainar-Jaime
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mariano Morales
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratorios Albéitar, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - José L Blanco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Chirino-Trejo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
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Immunological Stability of Clostridium difficile Toxins in Clinical Specimens. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018; 39:434-438. [PMID: 29457584 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of storage on stability and detection of Clostridium difficile toxins in feces is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the immunological stability of C. difficile toxins in clinical stool specimens under different storage conditions by evaluating this stability using toxin detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). METHODS Stool specimens positive for C. difficile infection (CDI) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for EIA testing with the C. difficile Tox A/B II kit. The EIA-positive specimens were stored aerobically under refrigerated (4-10°C) and frozen (-30°C and -80°C) conditions. Measurement of toxin quantity was conducting using optical density (OD) on days 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 of storage. RESULTS Clostridium difficile toxins demonstrated good detection in undiluted stool specimens by EIA up to 120 days of storage. Good detection of the toxins was observed in diluted samples at refrigerated and -80°C temperatures. Dilution detrimentally affected toxin detection at -30°C. CONCLUSION Storage of undiluted clinical stool specimens at refrigerated, -30°C, and -80°C temperatures for up to 120 days has no discernible effect on the immunological stability of C. difficile cytotoxins. However, storage at -30°C has a detrimental effect on C. difficile toxin stability in diluted specimens. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:434-438.
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Blanco N, Foxman B, Malani AN, Zhang M, Walk S, Rickard AH, Eisenberg MC. An in silico evaluation of treatment regimens for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182815. [PMID: 28800598 PMCID: PMC5553947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant nosocomial infection worldwide, that recurs in as many as 35% of infections. Risk of CDI recurrence varies by ribotype, which also vary in sporulation and germination rates. Whether sporulation/germination mediate risk of recurrence and effectiveness of treatment of recurring CDI remains unclear. We aim to assess the role of sporulation/germination patterns on risk of recurrence, and the relative effectiveness of the recommended tapered/pulsing regimens using an in silico model. METHODS We created a compartmental in-host mathematical model of CDI, composed of vegetative cells, toxins, and spores, to explore whether sporulation and germination have an impact on recurrence rates. We also simulated the effectiveness of three tapered/pulsed vancomycin regimens by ribotype. RESULTS Simulations underscored the importance of sporulation/germination patterns in determining pathogenicity and transmission. All recommended regimens for recurring CDI tested were effective in reducing risk of an additional recurrence. Most modified regimens were still effective even after reducing the duration or dosage of vancomycin. However, the effectiveness of treatment varied by ribotype. CONCLUSION Current CDI vancomycin regimen for treating recurrent cases should be studied further to better balance associated risks and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Blanco
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anurag N. Malani
- Department of Infection Prevention & Control, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Seth Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Letters & Science, Montana State, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Alexander H. Rickard
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Marisa C. Eisenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a confirmed pathogen in a wide variety of mammals, but the incidence of disease varies greatly in relation to host species, age, environmental density of spores, administration of antibiotics, and possibly, other factors. Lesions vary as well, in severity and distribution within individuals, and in some instances, age groups, of a given species. The cecum and colon are principally affected in most species, but foals and rabbits develop severe jejunal lesions. Explanations for variable susceptibility of species, and age groups within a species, are largely speculative. Differences in colonization rates and toxin-receptor densities have been proposed. Clostridium difficile-associated disease is most commonly diagnosed in Syrian hamsters, horses, and neonatal pigs, but it is reported sporadically in many other species. The essential virulence factors of C. difficile are large exotoxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB). Receptor-mediated endocytosis of the toxins is followed by endosomal acidification, a necessary step for conversion of the toxin to its active form in the cytosol. Cell-surface receptors have been characterized for TcdA, but remain to be identified for TcdB. Both TcdA and TcdB disrupt the actin cytoskeleton by disrupting Rho-subtype, intracellular signaling molecules. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton is catastrophic for cellular function, but inflammation and neurogenic stimuli are also involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Keel
- The University of Arizona, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Microbiology, Building #90, Room 212, 1117 East Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Grześkowiak Ł, Zentek J, Vahjen W. Determination of the extent of Clostridium difficile colonisation and toxin accumulation in sows and neonatal piglets. Anaerobe 2016; 40:5-9. [PMID: 27108595 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is an important spore-forming, opportunistic pathogen in animal husbandry and health care. In pig farming, only neonatal piglets are affected, and diarrhoea and necrotising lesions are common symptoms leading to dehydration and in some cases death. This study aimed at the assessment of the quantitative development of C. difficile colonisation in neonatal piglets by determining the shedding of spores and C. difficile toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) concentrations in sow (n = 5-6) and piglet pen faeces (n = 5-6) at different time points. Spores were quantified on selective agar plates and toxins using ELISA method. C. difficile was not detected in the faeces of all but one sow during the perinatal period. Faeces of 2- and 4-day-old piglets contained 0.65 log cells/g and 5.88 log cells/g of C. difficile, respectively. Toxins were detected on day 4 at a concentration of 2.13 log ng/g (TcdA) and 2.06 log ng/g (TcdB). On day 6, concentration of C. difficile reached 6.14 log CFU/g and toxins 2.02 log ng/g (TcdA) and 2.20 log ng/g (TcdB). Two-week-old piglets showed 4.72 log CFU/g of C. difficile but toxins could not be detected. At 21 days of age, both C. difficile and toxins were undetectable. The concentration and the prevalence of C. difficile were positively associated with the prevalence of toxins in piglets. A very short time window for colonisation by C. difficile, including toxin-producing strains can be observed in neonatal piglets. The significance for animal health and the risk of a carrier status need to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grześkowiak
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Strasse 49, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Strasse 49, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Strasse 49, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Rajabally N, Kullin B, Ebrahim K, Brock T, Weintraub A, Whitelaw A, Bamford C, Watermeyer G, Thomson S, Abratt V, Reid S. A comparison of Clostridium difficile diagnostic methods for identification of local strains in a South African centre. J Med Microbiol 2016; 65:320-327. [PMID: 26860329 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection is essential for disease management. A clinical and molecular analysis of C. difficile isolated from symptomatic patients at Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa, was conducted to establish the most suitable clinical test for the diagnosis and characterization of locally prevalent strains. C. difficile was detected in stool samples using enzyme-based immunoassays (EIA) and nucleic acid amplification methods, and their performance was compared with that of C. difficile isolation using direct selective culture combined with specific PCR to detect the C. difficile tpi gene, toxin A and B genes and binary toxin genes. Toxigenic isolates were characterized further by ribotyping. Selective culture isolated 32 C. difficile strains from 145 patients (22 %). Of these, the most prevalent (50 %) were of ribotype 017 (toxin A- B+) while 15.6 % were ribotype 001 (toxin A+B+). No ribotype 027 strains or binary toxin genes (cdtA and cdtB) were detected. The test sensitivities and specificities, respectively, of four commercial clinical diagnostic methods were as follows: ImmunoCard Toxins A & B (40 % and 99.1 %), VIDAS C. difficile Toxin A & B (50 % and 99.1 %), GenoType CDiff (86.7 % and 88.3 %) and Xpert C. difficile (90 % and 97.3 %). Ribotype 001 and 017 strains had a 100 % detection rate by Xpert C. difficile, 100 % and 93.3 % by GenoType CDiff, 75 % and 53.3 % by ImmunoCard and 75 % and 60 % by VIDAS, respectively. The overall poor performance of EIA suggests that a change to PCR-based testing would assist diagnosis and ensure reliable detection of locally prevalent C. difficile 017 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naayil Rajabally
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Kullin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kaleemuddeen Ebrahim
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tunehafo Brock
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrej Weintraub
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Whitelaw
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Colleen Bamford
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gillian Watermeyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandie Thomson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Abratt
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharon Reid
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clostridium difficile With Special Reference to the Horse. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-016-0029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Becker SL, Chatigre JK, Coulibaly JT, Mertens P, Bonfoh B, Herrmann M, Kuijper EJ, N'Goran EK, Utzinger J, von Müller L. Molecular and culture-based diagnosis of Clostridium difficile isolates from Côte d'Ivoire after prolonged storage at disrupted cold chain conditions. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015; 109:660-8. [PMID: 26354793 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trv071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Clostridium difficile is a major cause of diarrhoea, its epidemiology in tropical settings is poorly understood. Strain characterisation requires work-up in specialised laboratories, often after prolonged storage without properly maintained cold chain. METHODS We screened 298 human faecal samples from Côte d'Ivoire using a rapid test for C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). GDH-positive samples were aerobically stored at disrupted cold chain conditions (mean duration: 11 days) before transfer to a reference laboratory for anaerobic culture, susceptibility testing, PCR assays and ribotyping. RESULTS Sixteen samples (5.4%) had a positive GDH screening test. C. difficile infection was confirmed in six specimens by culture and PCR, while no nucleic acids of C. difficile were detected in the culture-negative samples. Further analysis of stool samples harbouring toxigenic C. difficile strains confirmed that both GDH and toxins remained detectable for at least 28 days, regardless of storage conditions (aerobic storage at 4°C or 20°C). CONCLUSIONS Storage conditions only minimally affect recovery of C. difficile and its toxins in stool culture. A rapid GDH screening test and subsequent transfer of GDH-positive stool samples to reference laboratories for in-depth characterisation may improve our understanding of the epidemiology of C. difficile in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören L Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 43, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Justin K Chatigre
- Département de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Méthodiste de Dabou, Dabou, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jean T Coulibaly
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 02 BP 770, Abidjan 02, Côte d'Ivoire Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Pascal Mertens
- Coris BioConcept, Rue Jean Sonet 4A, B-5032 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Mathias Herrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 43, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, NL-2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 02 BP 770, Abidjan 02, Côte d'Ivoire Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lutz von Müller
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 43, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS OF CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE IN HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) AT A MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION CENTER. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:191-7. [PMID: 26056868 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0048r2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 1998 and 2008, 15 cases of segmental to diffuse hemorrhagic to necrohemorrhagic enterocolitis were diagnosed in neonatal and weaned juvenile harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) presented from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre for rehabilitation. Based on a combination of gross pathology, histopathology, bacterial isolation, and toxin testing, Clostridium difficile enterocolitis was diagnosed. Most pups were anorexic or inappetant and died acutely with few other premonitory signs. Due to ongoing clinical concerns and possible emergence of this pathogen at the facility, efforts to better characterize the disease and understand the epidemiology of C. difficile was initiated in 95 harbor seal pups presented for rehabilitation in a single stranding season. Fecal samples were collected on admission, following completion of antibiotic treatment, and also prerelease or postmortem. All samples were collected fresh and submitted either directly or stored frozen. Fecal samples were inoculated into selective media for culture and screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) for C. difficile toxins A, B, or both. Results of the 95 seals in the study were as follows: on hospital admit 72 seals were sampled, 10 were culture positive, 12 were ELISA positive; following antibiotic therapy 46 seals were sampled noting three culture positive and nine ELISA positive; prior to release 58 seals were sampled noting zero culture positive and one ELISA positive; and on postmortem exam seven seals were sampled noting zero culture positive and two ELISA positive. Clostridium difficile was not deemed to be the cause of death in any of the animals. Although the exact mechanism of disease is unknown, this study suggests that C. difficile infection is not a significant cause of mortality and may be part of the normal flora in harbor seals undergoing rehabilitation. Morbidity and mortality from this bacterium can likely be minimized by judicious use of antibiotics, effective biosecurity-biocontainment protocols, and clean husbandry practices.
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False-Positive Clostridium difficile in Negative-Control Reactions Peak and Then Decrease with Repetitive Refrigeration of Immunoassay. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:128120. [PMID: 27350964 PMCID: PMC4897431 DOI: 10.1155/2014/128120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant false-positive reactions in negative-controls during ELISA testing for Clostridium difficile indicated the potential for false-diagnoses. Experiments with 96-well products showed a maximum peak of false-positive immunoassay reactions with the provided negative-control reagents after 5 refrigeration-to-room temperature cycles (P < 0.001), decreasing thereafter with additional refrigeration cycles. Because repetitive refrigeration causes a peak of false-positives, the use of single negative-controls per ELISA run might be insufficient to monitor aberrant preanalytical false-positives if immunoassays are subject to repetitive refrigeration.
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Diab S, Songer G, Uzal F. Clostridium difficile infection in horses: A review. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Diab SS, Rodriguez-Bertos A, Uzal FA. Pathology and Diagnostic Criteria ofClostridium difficileEnteric Infection in Horses. Vet Pathol 2013; 50:1028-36. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985813489039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Diab
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - A. Rodriguez-Bertos
- Department of Surgery and Internal Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - F. A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
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22
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Silva ROS, Ribeiro MG, Palhares MS, Borges AS, Maranhão RPA, Silva MX, Lucas TM, Olivo G, Lobato FCF. Detection of A/B toxin and isolation of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens from foals. Equine Vet J 2013; 45:671-5. [PMID: 23452044 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY Toxin detection and screening could contribute to knowledge of the transmission patterns, risk factors and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens. OBJECTIVE To isolate C. difficile and C. perfringens and to detect A/B toxins in faecal samples from diarrhoeic and nondiarrhoeic foals. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS A total of 153 samples from foals were collected: 139 samples from farms and 14 samples from diarrhoeic foals admitted to a veterinary hospital. The A/B toxins were detected by cytotoxicity assay. All suspected colonies of C. perfringens were subjected to polymerase chain reaction for detection of the major toxin genes (α, β, ε and ι) and for detection of β2-, NetB- and enterotoxin-encoding genes. Furthermore, C. difficile and C. perfringens isolates were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS Seven of 153 (4.6%) samples, all from diarrhoeic foals, were positive for C. difficile A/B toxin. Of these, 5 of 14 (35.7%) were from hospitalised foals, and only 2 of 63 (3.2%) diarrhoeic foal samples were from farms (P = 0.002). Clostridium perfringens was isolated from 31 (20.3%) foals, of which 21 of 76 (27.6%) were diarrhoeic and 10 of 76 (13.2%) were nondiarrhoeic, demonstrating a difference between these 2 groups (P = 0.045). Only 4 strains were positive for the β2-encoding gene (cpb2). All C. difficile and C. perfringens isolates were susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS The present report highlights the need for laboratory diagnostics to differentiate C. difficile-associated infection in foals from other causes of diarrhoea to facilitate adequate antimicrobial therapy. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE More studies are needed to clarify the role of C. perfringens as a primary agent of diarrhoea in foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O S Silva
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
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23
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Barr BS, Waldridge BM, Morresey PR, Reed SM, Clark C, Belgrave R, Donecker JM, Weigel DJ. Antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea in three equine referral practices. Equine Vet J 2012; 45:154-8. [PMID: 22779907 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Although antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea (AAD) is the most frequently observed adverse effect of antimicrobial therapy in horses, few multicentred studies on the prevalence of AAD have been performed. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of AAD in horses that developed diarrhoea after antimicrobial treatment for nondiarrhoeic conditions and identify the antimicrobials used. METHODS The 2009 database of 3 referral hospitals was searched to identify nonhospitalised horses (weanling age or older) treated with antimicrobials for nongastrointestinal conditions. Horses with these criteria that presented with diarrhoea during 2009 were included in the study. Additional information, including antimicrobial administered and results of faecal pathogen testing, was gathered on each hospitalised case. RESULTS Of the 5251 horses treated with antimicrobials for nongastrointestinal signs, 32 were diagnosed with probable AAD, a prevalence of 0.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.86%). The AAD-diagnosed horses had an 18.8% (6/32) mortality rate. Horses with AAD had been treated for an average of 4.2 days. The most frequently used antimicrobials in horses with AAD were gentamicin in combination with penicillin (n = 7), enrofloxacin (n = 7) and doxycycline (n = 4). Clostridium difficile was identified in faecal samples from 4 horses, 2 of which died and Salmonella from 3 horses. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that the prevalence of AAD is low. Any antimicrobial class commonly used in equine practice is a potential cause of equine AAD. Other risk factors, such as opportunistic enteropathogens, may play a part in the development of diarrhoea secondary to antimicrobial usage. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Although the risk of equine AAD is low, this sequela of antimicrobial treatment is possible especially when opportunistic enteropathogens or other risk factors are present. Because drugs from any antimicrobial class can be potentially involved in AAD, clinicians have additional incentive to ensure the judicious use of antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Barr
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Kentucky, USA
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Abstract
Diarrhoea is among the most common clinical complaints in foals. Aetiologies, diagnostic testing and recommended interventions for specific causes of enterocolitis are summarised. Many mild to moderately affected foals can be managed in an ambulatory setting, while others will benefit from more intensive care at a referral centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mallicote
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - A M House
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - L C Sanchez
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Rodriguez-Palacios A, LeJeune JT. Moist-heat resistance, spore aging, and superdormancy in Clostridium difficile. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:3085-91. [PMID: 21398481 PMCID: PMC3126382 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01589-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile spores can survive extended heating at 71°C (160°F), a minimum temperature commonly recommended for adequate cooking of meats. To determine the extent to which higher temperatures would be more effective at killing C. difficile, we quantified (D values) the effect of moist heat at 85°C (145°F, for 0 to 30 min) on C. difficile spores and compared it to the effects at 71 and 63°C. Fresh (1-week-old) and aged (≥20-week-old) C. difficile spores from food and food animals were tested in multiple experiments. Heating at 85°C markedly reduced spore recovery in all experiments (5 to 6 log(10) within 15 min of heating; P < 0.001), regardless of spore age. In ground beef, the inhibitory effect of 85°C was also reproducible (P < 0.001), but heating at 96°C reduced 6 log(10) within 1 to 2 min. Mechanistically, optical density and enumeration experiments indicated that 85°C inhibits cell division but not germination, but the inhibitory effect was reversible in some spores. Heating at 63°C reduced counts for fresh spores (1 log(10), 30 min; P < 0.04) but increased counts of 20-week-old spores by 30% (15 min; P < 0.02), indicating that sublethal heat treatment reactivates superdormant spores. Superdormancy is an increasingly recognized characteristic in Bacillus spp., and it is likely to occur in C. difficile as spores age. The potential for reactivation of (super)dormant spores with sublethal temperatures may be a food safety concern, but it also has potential diagnostic value. Ensuring that food is heated to >85°C would be a simple and important intervention to reduce the risk of inadvertent ingestion of C. difficile spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios
- Food Animal Health Research Program, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691
| | - Jeffrey T. LeJeune
- Food Animal Health Research Program, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691
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Evaluation of four different diagnostic tests to detect Clostridium difficile in piglets. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:1816-21. [PMID: 21411571 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00242-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is emerging as pathogen in both humans and animals. In 2000 it was described as one of the causes of neonatal enteritis in piglets, and it is now the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in the United States. In Europe, C. difficile infection (CDI) in both neonatal piglets and adult sows has also been reported. Diagnosis of this infection is based on detection of the bacterium C. difficile or its toxins A and B. Most detection methods, however, are only validated for diagnosing human infections. In this study three commercially available enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) and a commercial real-time-PCR (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) were evaluated by testing 172 pig fecal specimens (139 diarrheic and 33 nondiarrheic piglets). The results of each test were compared to those of cytotoxicity assays (CTAs) and toxigenic culture as the "gold standards." Compared to CTAs, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were, respectively, as follows: for real-time PCR, 91.6, 37.1, 57.6, and 82.5%; for Premier Toxins A&B (Meridian), 83.1, 31.5, 53.1, and 66.7%; for ImmunoCard Toxins A&B kit (ICTAB; Meridian), 86.6, 56.8, 66.9, and 80.7%; and for VIDAS (bioMérieux), 54.8, 92.6, 85.0, and 72.8%. Compared to toxigenic culture, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were, respectively, as follows: for real-time PCR, 93.0, 34.7, 50.0, and 87.5%; for Premier Toxins A&B, 80.3, 27.7, 43.8, and 66.7%; and for ICTAB, 80.0, 46.2, 52.8, and 75.4%; and for VIDAS, 56.4, 89.8, 77.5, and 76.7%. We conclude that all tests had an unacceptably low performance as a single test for the detection of C. difficile in pig herds and that a two-step algorithm is necessary, similar to that in cases of human CDI. Of all of the assays, the real-time PCR had the highest NPV compared to both reference methods and is therefore the most appropriate test to screen for the absence of C. difficile in pigs as a first step in the algorithm. The second step would be a confirmation of the positive results by toxigenic culture.
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27
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Modi C, DePasquale JR, Nguyen NQ, Malinowski JE, Perez G. Does the handling time of unrefrigerated human fecal specimens impact the detection of Clostridium difficile toxins in a hospital setting? Indian J Gastroenterol 2010; 29:157-61. [PMID: 20740339 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-010-0040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stability of Clostridium difficile toxins is an important factor in determining the accuracy of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The Centers for Disease Control has stated that C. difficile toxins may become undetectable in unrefrigerated stool specimens within 2 h after collection. PURPOSE The purpose of our study was to determine how the unrefrigerated handling time of human fecal specimens affects the results of C. difficile infection (CDI) testing. METHODS A retrospective review of CDI testing with Premier™ Toxins A and B kit was conducted in northern New Jersey, USA. Stool collection times and receiving times were recorded for each specimen. The unrefrigerated handling time was calculated for each. RESULTS A total of 1126 fecal specimens were submitted. We excluded 72 fecal specimens due to incomplete documentation. We included 1054 fecal specimens collected from 636 hospitalized patients. A total of 132 out of 1054 specimens (12.5%) tested positive for C. difficile toxins. Nine hundred and fifty-four specimens were unrefrigerated for 13 h or less, of which 127 (13.3%) tested positive. Five (5%) of the 100 specimens that were unrefrigerated for more than 13 h tested positive (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION C. difficile toxins can still be detected up to 13 h after collection in unrefrigerated human fecal specimens. However, fecal specimens should be processed according to the current recommendations to ensure the reliability of EIA testing until the results of our study are confirmed with prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintan Modi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint Michael's Medical Center, 111 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
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28
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Diagnosis | Clostridium difficile–induced typhlitis and colitis. Lab Anim (NY) 2010. [DOI: 10.1038/laban0410-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ecological characterization of the colonic microbiota of normal and diarrheic dogs. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2008:149694. [PMID: 19282974 PMCID: PMC2648299 DOI: 10.1155/2008/149694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 10/09/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We used terminal restriction fragment polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis to assess (1) stability of the fecal microbiota in dogs living in environments characterized by varying degrees of exposure to factors that might alter the microbiota and (2) changes in the microbiota associated with acute episodes of diarrhea. Results showed that the healthy canine GI tract harbors potential enteric pathogens. Dogs living in an environment providing minimal exposure to factors that might alter the microbiota had similar microbiotas; the microbiotas of dogs kept in more variable environments were more variable. Substantial changes in the microbiota occurred during diarrheic episodes, including increased levels of Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium. When diet and medications of a dog having a previously stable microbiota were changed repeatedly, the microbiota also changed repeatedly. Temporal trend analysis showed directional changes in the microbiota after perturbation, a return to the starting condition, and then fluctuating changes over time.
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Abstract
Enteritis and colitis remain challenging and life-threatening diseases despite many recent advances. Successful treatment is largely dependent on early recognition and directed therapy, which is facilitated by obtaining a complete history and physical examination. A number of new therapies and methods of monitoring critically ill patients have become integral components of treatment success. The critical monitoring of equine foals and adults continues to be an exciting and emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darien J Feary
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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32
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Oliver OE, Stämpfli H. Acute diarrhea in the adult horse: case example and review. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2007; 22:73-84. [PMID: 16627106 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2005.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olimpo E Oliver
- Clinica de Grandes Animales, Departamento de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Bogota de Santa Fe, Bogota, Colombia.
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Jump RLP, Pultz MJ, Donskey CJ. Vegetative Clostridium difficile survives in room air on moist surfaces and in gastric contents with reduced acidity: a potential mechanism to explain the association between proton pump inhibitors and C. difficile-associated diarrhea? Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:2883-7. [PMID: 17562803 PMCID: PMC1932506 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01443-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been identified as a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), though the mechanism is unclear because gastric acid does not kill C. difficile spores. We hypothesized that the vegetative form of C. difficile, which is killed by acid, could contribute to disease pathogenesis if it survives in room air and in gastric contents with elevated pH. We compared the numbers of C. difficile spores and vegetative cells in stools of patients prior to and during the treatment of CDAD. We assessed the survival of vegetative cells on moist or dry surfaces in room air versus anaerobic conditions and in human gastric contents, in pH-adjusted gastric contents, and in gastric contents from individuals receiving PPI therapy. Stool samples obtained from patients prior to the initiation of antibiotic treatment for C. difficile contained approximately 10-fold more vegetative cells than spores. On dry surfaces, vegetative C. difficile cells died rapidly, whereas they remained viable for up to 6 h on moist surfaces in room air. Vegetative C. difficile cells had only marginal survival in gastric contents at low pH; adjustment to a pH of >5 resulted in survival similar to that in the phosphate-buffered saline control. The survival of vegetative C. difficile in gastric contents obtained from patients receiving PPIs was also increased at a pH of >5. The ability of the vegetative form of C. difficile to survive on moist surfaces and in gastric contents with an elevated pH suggests a potential mechanism by which PPI therapy could increase the risk of acquiring C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L P Jump
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Infectious Diseases Section, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Abstract
C difficile has emerged as an important cause of diarrheic disease in horses. C difficile diarrhea is usually diagnosed in mature horses, mostly when they are treated with antimicrobials and hospitalized. It is important for clinicians at veterinary hospitals to have knowledge about the organism and the infection. To prevent C difficile diarrhea, judicious use of antimicrobials is important, as is minimizing different stress factors at the animal hospital or clinic. Infected horses must be isolated. Routine examination for C difficile and toxin A or B is recommended in horses with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. When treating foals for R equi pneumonia, it is important to avoid accidental ingestion of erythromycin by the dams. To reduce the number of environmental spores, thorough cleaning and surface disinfection of the animal hospital and clinic are important. Routine handwashing should be performed by all staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viveca Båverud
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Weese JS, Armstrong J. Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital. J Vet Intern Med 2004; 17:813-6. [PMID: 14658717 PMCID: PMC7202293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An apparent outbreak of enteric disease occurred in dogs and cats at a veterinary teaching hospital. Clostridium difficile Toxin A or B or both were identified in 1 or more fecal samples from 48 of 93 (52%) dogs over a 5‐month period, 30 of which were identified in the 1st 26 days, after which strict infection control measures, including closure to elective cases, were implemented. Affected animals included in‐patients, out‐patients that were housed temporarily in the wards, and resident blood donor dogs. Infection control measures, including partial depopulation, isolation, hospital and yard cleaning, and barrier precautions, were instituted, after which, the incidence of nosocomial diarrhea decreased from 19 cases per 1,000 admissions to 2.5 cases per 1,000 admissions (P <0.001)
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Weese
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Båverud V, Gustafsson A, Franklin A, Aspán A, Gunnarsson A. Clostridium difficile: prevalence in horses and environment, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Equine Vet J 2003; 35:465-71. [PMID: 12875324 DOI: 10.2746/042516403775600505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Clostridium difficile has been associated with acute colitis in mature horses. OBJECTIVES To survey C. difficile colonisation of the alimentary tract with age, occurrence of diarrhoea and history of antibiotic therapy; and to study the occurrence and survival of C. difficile in the environment and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated strains. METHODS A total of 777 horses of different breeds, age and sex were studied. Further, 598 soil samples and 434 indoor surface samples were examined. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 52 strains was investigated by Etest for 10 antibiotics. RESULTS In horses that developed acute colitis during antibiotic treatment, 18 of 43 (42%) were positive to C. difficile culture and 12 of these (28%) were positive in the cytotoxin B test. Furthermore, C. difficile was isolated from a small number of diarrhoeic mature horses (4 of 72 [6%]) with no history of antibiotic treatment, but not from 273 healthy mature horses examined or 65 horses with colic. An interesting new finding was that, in normal healthy foals age < 14 days, C. difficile was isolated from 1/3 of foals (16 of 56 [29%]). All older foals (170) except one were negative. Seven of 16 (44%) nondiarrhoeic foals treated with erythromycin or gentamicin in combination with rifampicin were also excretors of C. difficile. On studfarms, 14 of 132 (11%) outdoor soil samples were positive for C. difficile in culture, whereas only 2 of 220 (1%) soil samples from farms with mature horses were positive for C. difficile (P = < 0.001). By PCR, it was demonstrated that strains from the environment and healthy foals can serve as a potential reservoir of toxigenic C. difficile. The experimental study conducted here found that C. difficile survived in nature and indoors for at least 4 years in inoculated equine faeces. The susceptibility of 52 strains was investigated for 10 antibiotics and all were susceptible to metronidazole (MIC < or = 4 mg/l) and vancomycin (MIC < or = 2 mg/l). CONCLUSIONS C. difficile is associated with acute colitis in mature horses, following antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, C. difficile was isolated from 1 in 3 normal healthy foals age < 14 days. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Strains from healthy foals and the environment can serve as a potential reservoir of toxigenic C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Båverud
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
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Freeman J, Wilcox MH. The effects of storage conditions on viability of Clostridium difficile vegetative cells and spores and toxin activity in human faeces. J Clin Pathol 2003; 56:126-8. [PMID: 12560391 PMCID: PMC1769877 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.56.2.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Clostridium difficile is a common nosocomial pathogen and as such diagnostic and research methods may necessitate storage of faecal specimens for long periods, followed by subsequent re-examination. This study investigated the effects of storage conditions upon the viability of this organism and its toxin. METHODS Three genotypically distinct strains of C difficile (two clinical isolates including the UK epidemic strain, and an environmental isolate) were grown anaerobically at 37 degrees C for 72 hours in a pool of five faecal emulsions. Aliquots of each emulsion were stored at either -20 degrees C (frozen) or 4 degrees C (refrigerated). Emulsions were assayed for viable cells, spores, and cytotoxin titre before storage and at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 56. An aliquot of each emulsion was also removed, assayed, and replaced in storage at each time point to investigate the effects of multiple freezing/refrigeration/thawing. RESULTS Neither storage temperature nor multiple cycles of refrigeration/freezing and thawing adversely affected the viability of C difficile vegetative cells or spores. Single and multiple exposures of samples to 4 degrees C had little effect upon the C difficile toxin titre. Toxin titres of multiply frozen and thawed faeces became significantly lower than for refrigerated faeces (p < 0.01) by day 5 of the experiment in two of the three strains, and in all strains by day 28. Toxin titres of singly frozen faeces became significantly lower than for refrigerated faeces (p < 0.01) by day 56 of the experiment in two of the three strains. CONCLUSION Storage temperature and multiple cycles of freezing (refrigeration)/thawing had minimal effects upon the viability of C difficile or its spores. Storage at 4 degrees C has no discernible effect on C difficile cytotoxin. However, storage at -20 degrees C has a detrimental effect upon C difficile cytotoxin, and multiple cycles of freezing and thawing may further adversely effect toxin titres.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Freeman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds and The General Infirmary, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Abstract
In human medicine, Clostridium (C.) difficile is since many years a well-known cause of nosocomial diarrhea induced by antibiotic treatment. In horses, C. difficile was recently suggested as a possible enteric pathogen. The bacterium is associated with acute colitis in mature horses following treatment with antibiotics. C. difficile, and/or its cytotoxin, is also associated with acute colitis in mares when their foals are being treated with erythromycin and rifampicin for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The colitis can have resulted from an accidental ingestion of erythromycin by the mares. In an experimental study it was also demonstrated in mature horses that erythromycin can induce severe colitis associated with proliferation of C. difficile. A new interesting finding was that in healthy foals younger than 14 days, C. difficile was isolated from every third foal whereas older foals proved negative. In this paper the current state of knowledge of C. difficile infections in animals, especially in horses, is reviewed. A short description is given of the historical background of Clostridium difficile and the antibiotic-associated colitis and diarrhea caused by infection with this bacterium. The taxonomy of Clostridium difficile is described extensively. A summary is given of the diseases associated with clostridia infections in animals. Special attention is paid to the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, laboratory diagnosis, and pathology of Clostridium difficile infections in horses. Finally, some other bacterial causes of colitis in horses are discussed shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Båverud
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Garrett LA, Brown R, Poxton IR. A comparative study of the intestinal microbiota of healthy horses and those suffering from equine grass sickness. Vet Microbiol 2002; 87:81-8. [PMID: 12079749 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(02)00018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study compares quantitatively the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy horses with that of horses with equine grass sickness (EGS). Faecal and ileal samples were cultured quantitatively on selective and non-selective media. Confirmed anaerobes were identified to species level. Overall faecal counts gave a ratio of aerobes:anaerobes of approximately 1:1. However, the mean counts in healthy horses of 4.4x10(8) aerobes:3.7x10(8) anaerobes per gram wet weight were different from counts in EGS (means were 10-100-fold higher), with statistically significant differences for the anaerobes (p=0.04). There were 10-100-fold more anaerobic cocci in EGS samples compared to healthy controls. Most of the seven species of anaerobic cocci were found in both healthy horses and EGS. Differences in clostridia isolated between health and disease were notable: fourteen species were isolated from EGS cases, compared to only one (C. bifermentans) in controls. The mean faecal clostridial counts in chronic disease were higher than in controls (10-fold) and in acute EGS (100-fold). In contrast, mean counts for ileal samples from acute cases, showed a 10-fold increase for clostridia compared to 1000-fold reduction in chronic cases (compared to faecal counts). Results indicate an increase in the bacterial numbers in the GI tract of animals with EGS compared to the controls and clostridia are prominent in EGS. Whether the increase in clostridia is the cause of GI stasis or a consequence remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey A Garrett
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Teviot Place, EH9 8AG, Edinburgh, UK
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Magdesian KG, Hirsh DC, Jang SS, Hansen LM, Madigan JE. Characterization of Clostridium difficile isolates from foals with diarrhea: 28 cases (1993-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 220:67-73. [PMID: 12680451 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine molecular characteristics of Clostridium difficile isolates from foals with diarrhea and identify clinical abnormalities in affected foals. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 28 foals with C difficile-associated diarrhea. PROCEDURE Toxigenicity, molecular fingerprinting, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined. Information on signalment, clinical findings, results of clinicopathologic testing, whether antimicrobials had been administered prior to development of diarrhea, and outcome was obtained from the medical records. RESULTS Twenty-three (82%) foals survived. Toxin A and B gene sequences were detected in isolates from 24 of 27 foals, whereas the toxin B gene alone was detected in the isolate from 1 foal. Results of an ELISA for toxin A were positive for fecal samples from only 8 of 20 (40%) foals. Ten of 23 (43%) isolates were resistant to metronidazole. Molecular fingerprinting revealed marked heterogeneity among isolates, except for the metronidazole-resistant isolates. Sixteen foals had tachypnea. Hematologic abnormalities were indicative of inflammation. Common serum biochemical abnormalities included metabolic acidosis, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, azotemia, hypoproteinemia, hyperglycemia, and high enzyme activities. Passive transfer of maternal antibodies was adequate in all 12 foals evaluated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that a large percentage of C difficile isolates from foals with diarrhea will have the toxin A and B gene sequences. Because of the possibility that isolates will be resistant to metronidazole, susceptibility testing is warranted. Clostridium difficile isolates from foals may have a substantial amount of molecular heterogeneity. Clinical and hematologic findings in affected foals are similar to those for foals with diarrhea caused by other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gary Magdesian
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Weese JS, Staempfli HR, Prescott JF, Kruth SA, Greenwood SJ, Weese HE. The Roles ofClostridium difficileand EnterotoxigenicClostridium perfringensin Diarrhea in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2001. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2001.tb02332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Weese JS, Staempfli HR, Prescott JF. A prospective study of the roles of clostridium difficile and enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in equine diarrhoea. Equine Vet J 2001; 33:403-9. [PMID: 11469775 DOI: 10.2746/042516401776249534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Faecal samples from adult horses and from foals with diarrhoea or with normal faeces were evaluated for the presence of Clostridium difficile, C. difficile toxins, C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and C. perfringens spore counts. Clostridium difficile was isolated from 7/55 horses (12.7%) and 11/31 foals (35.5%) with colitis, but from 1/255 normal adults (0.4%) and 0/47 normal foals (P<0.001). Clostridium difficile toxins A and/or B were detected in 12/55 diarrhoeic adults (21.8%) and 5/30 diarrhoeic foals (16.7%) but in only 1/83 adults (1.2%) and 0/21 foals with normal faeces (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin was detected in 9/47 diarrhoeic adults (19%) and 8/28 diarrhoeic foals (28.6%), but was not detected in 47 adult horses (P<0.002) or 4 foals (P = 0.22) with normal faeces. The positive predictive value of isolation of C. perfringens with respect to the presence of CPE was only 60% in adult horses and 64% in foals. There was no association between total C. perfringens spore count and CPE in the faeces. The overall mortality rate from colitis was 22% for adult horses and 18% for foals. Clostridium difficile toxin-positive adult horses with colitis were less likely to survive than C. difficile-negative horses with colitis (P = 0.03). This study provides further evidence that C. difficile and enterotoxigenic C. perfringens are associated with equine enterocolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Weese
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada
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Weese JS, Weese HE, Bourdeau TL, Staempfli HR. Suspected Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in two cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001; 218:1436-9, 1421. [PMID: 11345306 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two adult cats from the same household developed acute diarrhea. Clostridium difficile toxins were detected in the feces of both cats, whereas other recognized causes of diarrhea were not identified. Supportive medical treatment and metronidazole were administered and both cats responded well. A fecal sample obtained from 1 of the affected cats after treatment and a fecal sample obtained from a clinically normal cat in the household did not contain C difficile toxins. The role of C difficile in enteric disease in cats has not been extensively studied and is unclear; however, our findings suggest that toxigenic strains of C difficile may cause diarrhea in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Weese
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada
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Vanpoucke H, De Baere T, Claeys G, Vaneechoutte M, Verschraegen G. Evaluation of six commercial assays for the rapid detection of Clostridium difficile toxin and/or antigen in stool specimens. Clin Microbiol Infect 2001; 7:55-64. [PMID: 11298143 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2001.00141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate six commercially available assays for the detection of Clostridium difficile toxin and/or antigen in stool samples: one latex agglutination test (Culturette brand CDT, Becton Dickinson), two ELISAs (Culturette brand Toxin CD, Becton Dickinson, and Ridascreen C. difficile Toxin A/B, R-biopharm), two chromatographic assays (Clearview C. difficile A, Oxoid, and ColorPac Toxin A, Becton Dickinson) and one enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of C. difficile common antigen and toxin A (Triage C. difficile Panel, Biosite). METHODS Over a period of 3 months, 366 liquid or semi-liquid stool samples were tested using cell-culture cytotoxin assay as standard, ethanol shock stool culture and latex agglutination (Culturette brand CDT). Of these, 78 samples, positive with at least one of these three methods, and 98 randomly selected negative samples were further evaluated using the other five kits. PCR was also performed on positive cultures to confirm the presence of toxin A and B genes. RESULTS Triage C. difficile Panel had the best sensitivity (95%), followed by Clearview C. difficile and ColorPac Toxin A (both 89%), Culturette brand Toxin CD (73%), Ridascreen C. difficile Toxin A/B (57%) and Culturette brand CDT (23%). For Triage, the sensitivity of C. difficile antigen detection was 93%, and the sensitivity of toxin detection was lower (77%). Most false-positive results were obtained with the Triage C. difficile Panel (25 specimens) and Clearview C. difficile A (20 specimens). Culturette brand CDT had the best specificity (99%); followed by Ridascreen C. difficile Toxin A/B (97%), Culturette brand Toxin CD (95%), ColorPac Toxin A (89%), Clearview C. difficile A (83%) and Triage C. difficile Panel (75%). The positive predictive values ranged from 68% to 94%, and the negative predictive values from 83% to 98%. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity is much higher for Triage and the two new chromatographic assays than for the conventional EIAs. These tests also have a high negative predictive value. For Triage, C. difficile antigen-positive, toxin A-negative results can be obtained; the clinical value of these must be established by additional studies. Overall, the new-generation assays are still less sensitive than the cytotoxin assay; however, they provided same-day results, could be used as a screening test and may be useful in laboratories without tissue-culture facilities. Our results do not allow the recommendation of one single assay for the diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea. It remains the case that laboratory results must be correlated and interpreted with the clinical presentation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Vanpoucke
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Gent, Belgium.
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