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Wang L, Villafuerte Gálvez JA, Lee C, Wu S, Kelly CP, Chen X, Cao Y. Understanding host immune responses in Clostridioides difficile infection: Implications for pathogenesis and immunotherapy. IMETA 2024; 3:e200. [PMID: 38898983 PMCID: PMC11183162 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the predominant causative agent of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide. Infection with C. difficile occurs due to the secretion of large glycosylating toxin proteins, which can lead to toxic megacolon or mortality in susceptible hosts. A critical aspect of C. difficile's biology is its ability to persist asymptomatically within the human host. Individuals harboring asymptomatic colonization or experiencing a single episode of C. difficile infection (CDI) without recurrence exhibit heightened immune responses compared to symptomatic counterparts. The significance of these immune responses cannot be overstated, as they play critical roles in the development, progression, prognosis, and outcomes of CDI. Nonetheless, our current comprehension of the immune responses implicated in CDI remains limited. Therefore, further investigation is imperative to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. This review explores recent advancements in comprehending CDI pathogenesis and how the host immune system response influences disease progression and severity, aiming to enhance our capacity to develop immunotherapy-based treatments for CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Wang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Javier A. Villafuerte Gálvez
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christina Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shengru Wu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Ciaran P. Kelly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yangchun Cao
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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2
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Rohokale R, Guo Z. Development in the Concept of Bacterial Polysaccharide Repeating Unit-Based Antibacterial Conjugate Vaccines. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:178-212. [PMID: 36706246 PMCID: PMC9930202 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The surface of cells is coated with a dense layer of glycans, known as the cell glycocalyx. The complex glycans in the glycocalyx are involved in various biological events, such as bacterial pathogenesis, protection of bacteria from environmental stresses, etc. Polysaccharides on the bacterial cell surface are highly conserved and accessible molecules, and thus they are excellent immunological targets. Consequently, bacterial polysaccharides and their repeating units have been extensively studied as antigens for the development of antibacterial vaccines. This Review surveys the recent developments in the synthetic and immunological investigations of bacterial polysaccharide repeating unit-based conjugate vaccines against several human pathogenic bacteria. The major challenges associated with the development of functional carbohydrate-based antibacterial conjugate vaccines are also considered.
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Cheng JKJ, Unnikrishnan M. Clostridioides difficile infection: traversing host-pathogen interactions in the gut. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 36848200 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
C. difficile is the primary cause for nosocomial infective diarrhoea. For a successful infection, C. difficile must navigate between resident gut bacteria and the harsh host environment. The perturbation of the intestinal microbiota by broad-spectrum antibiotics alters the composition and the geography of the gut microbiota, deterring colonization resistance, and enabling C. difficile to colonize. This review will discuss how C. difficile interacts with and exploits the microbiota and the host epithelium to infect and persist. We provide an overview of C. difficile virulence factors and their interactions with the gut to aid adhesion, cause epithelial damage and mediate persistence. Finally, we document the host responses to C. difficile, describing the immune cells and host pathways that are associated and triggered during C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey K J Cheng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Meera Unnikrishnan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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4
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Räisänen L, Viljakainen H, Kolho KL. Exposure to proton pump inhibitors is associated with the development of pediatric autoimmune diseases. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1157547. [PMID: 37051434 PMCID: PMC10083351 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1157547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with decreased gut microbiota diversity. Disrupted gut microbiota composition has been reported in several autoimmune diseases (ADs), such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We investigated whether PPIs are associated with the development of ADs in children and concluded that PPI exposures could be related to the onset of ADs, especially IBD and potentially AIT as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Räisänen
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Correspondence: Laura Räisänen Kaija-Leena Kolho
| | - Heli Viljakainen
- Public Health Research Program, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaija-Leena Kolho
- Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and HUS, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Correspondence: Laura Räisänen Kaija-Leena Kolho
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5
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Frankel LR, Ardeljan A, Obaed NG, Takabe K, Rashid O. Clostridium difficile Infection Is Associated With Decreased Prostate Cancer Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e34398. [PMID: 36874728 PMCID: PMC9977075 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections and causes the release of various cytokines. Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. As infections have been associated with decreased cancer risk, the effects of C. difficile on the risk of developing PC were analyzed. Methodology Using the PearlDiver national database, a retrospective cohort analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between a prior history of C. difficile infection and subsequent development of PC. International Classification of Disease Ninth and Tenth Revision codes were used to evaluate the incidence of PC between January 2010 and December 2019 in patients with and without a history of C. difficile infection. The groups were matched by age range, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and antibiotic treatment exposure. Standard statistical methods, including relative risk and odds ratio (OR) analyses, were utilized to test for significance. Demographic information was subsequently analyzed and compared between experimental and control groups. Results A total of 79,226 patients were identified in both the infected and control groups matched by age and CCI. The incidence of PC was 1,827 (2.56%) in the C. difficile group and 5,565 (7.79%) in the control group (p < 2.2 × 10-16; OR = 0.390, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.372-0.409). Subsequent matching by antibiotic treatment resulted in two groups of 16,772 patients. PC incidence was 272 (1.62%) in the C. difficile group and 663 (3.95%) in the control group (p < 2.2 × 10-16; OR = 0.467, 95% CI = 0.431-0.507). Conclusions Results from this retrospective cohort study demonstrate that C. difficile infection is associated with a reduced incidence of PC. Future studies are recommended to investigate the potential effect of the immune system and cytokines related to C. difficile infection on PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexi R Frankel
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Amalia Ardeljan
- Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, Holy Cross Health, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Nadia G Obaed
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA.,Department of Surgery, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Omar Rashid
- Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, Holy Cross Health, Fort Lauderdale, USA.,Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, TopLine MD Alliance, Fort Lauderdale, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Memorial Health, Pembroke Pines, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Delray Medical Center, Delray, USA
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Santos AAQA, Costa DVS, Foschetti DA, Duarte ASG, Martins CS, Soares PMG, Castelucci P, Brito GAC. P2X7 receptor blockade decreases inflammation, apoptosis, and enteric neuron loss during Clostridioides difficile toxin A-induced ileitis in mice. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4075-4088. [PMID: 36157120 PMCID: PMC9403433 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i30.4075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the most common pathogen causing health care-associated infections. C. difficile TcdA and TcdB have been shown to activate enteric neurons; however, what population of these cells is more profoundly influenced and the mechanism underlying these effects remain unknown.
AIM To characterize a specific population of TcdA-affected myenteric neurons and investigate the role of the P2X7 receptor in TcdA-induced ileal inflammation, cell death, and the changes in the enteric nervous system in mice.
METHODS Swiss mice were used to model TcdA-induced ileitis in ileal loops exposed to TcdA (50 μg/Loop) for 4 h. To investigate the role of the P2X7 receptor, Brilliant Blue G (50 mg/kg, i.p.), which is a nonspecific P2X7 receptor antagonist, or A438079 (0.7 μg/mouse, i.p.), which is a competitive P2X7 receptor antagonist, were injected one hour prior to TcdA challenge. Ileal samples were collected to analyze the expression of the P2X7 receptor (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry), the population of myenteric enteric neurons (immunofluorescence), histological damage, intestinal inflammation, cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling), neuronal loss, and S100B synthesis (immunohistochemistry).
RESULTS TcdA upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of the P2X7 receptor gene in the ileal tissues, increasing the level of this receptor in myenteric neurons compared to that in control mice. Comparison with the control mice indicated that TcdA promoted (P < 0.05) the loss of myenteric calretinin+ (Calr) and choline acetyltransferase+ neurons and increased the number of nitrergic+ and Calr+ neurons expressing the P2X7 receptor. Blockade of the P2X7 receptor decreased TcdA-induced intestinal damage, cytokine release [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α], cell death, enteric neuron loss, and S100B synthesis in the mouse ileum.
CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that TcdA induced the upregulation of the P2X7 receptor, which promoted enteric neuron loss, S100B synthesis, tissue damage, inflammation, and cell death in the mouse ileum. These findings contribute to the future directions in understanding the mechanism involved in intestinal dysfunction reported in patients after C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Q A Santos
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Deiziane V S Costa
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Danielle A Foschetti
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Antoniella S G Duarte
- Department of Morphology (UFC), Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Conceição S Martins
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Pedro M G Soares
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Patricia Castelucci
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Gerly A C Brito
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60140-170, Ceara, Brazil
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Kim D, Kim YR, Hwang HJ, Ciufolini MA, Lee J, Lee H, Clovis S, Jung S, Oh SH, Son YJ, Kwak JH. Nitro-Group-Containing Thiopeptide Derivatives as Promising Agents to Target Clostridioides difficile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050623. [PMID: 35631450 PMCID: PMC9142968 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Clostridioides difficile as an urgent bacterial threat. Yet, only two drugs, vancomycin and fidaxomicin, are approved by the FDA for the treatment of C. difficile infections as of this writing, while the global pipeline of new drugs is sparse at best. Thus, there is a clear and urgent need for new antibiotics against that organism. Herein, we disclose that AJ-024, a nitroimidazole derivative of a 26-membered thiopeptide, is a promising anti-C. difficile lead compound. Despite their unique mode of action, thiopeptides remain largely unexploited as anti-infective agents. AJ-024 combines potent in vitro activity against various strains of C. difficile with a noteworthy safety profile and desirable pharmacokinetic properties. Its time-kill kinetics against a hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 027 and in vivo (mouse) efficacy compare favorably to vancomycin, and they define AJ-024 as a valuable platform for the development of new anti-C. difficile antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahyun Kim
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Young-Rok Kim
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, 558 Handong Ro, Heunghae-Eup, Buk-Gu, Pohang 37554, Korea; (Y.-R.K.); (S.J.); (S.-H.O.)
| | - Hee-Jong Hwang
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Marco A. Ciufolini
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6K 1Z1, Canada;
| | - Jusuk Lee
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Hakyeong Lee
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Shyaka Clovis
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Sungji Jung
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, 558 Handong Ro, Heunghae-Eup, Buk-Gu, Pohang 37554, Korea; (Y.-R.K.); (S.J.); (S.-H.O.)
| | - Sang-Hun Oh
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, 558 Handong Ro, Heunghae-Eup, Buk-Gu, Pohang 37554, Korea; (Y.-R.K.); (S.J.); (S.-H.O.)
| | - Young-Jin Son
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., 80 Chumbok Ro, Dong Gu, Daegu 41061, Korea; (D.K.); (H.-J.H.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.S.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Jin-Hwan Kwak
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, 558 Handong Ro, Heunghae-Eup, Buk-Gu, Pohang 37554, Korea; (Y.-R.K.); (S.J.); (S.-H.O.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.S.); (J.-H.K.)
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Vasilescu IM, Chifiriuc MC, Pircalabioru GG, Filip R, Bolocan A, Lazăr V, Diţu LM, Bleotu C. Gut Dysbiosis and Clostridioides difficile Infection in Neonates and Adults. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:651081. [PMID: 35126320 PMCID: PMC8810811 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.651081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we focus on gut microbiota profiles in infants and adults colonized (CDC) or infected (CDI) with Clostridioides difficile. After a short update on CDI epidemiology and pathology, we present the gut dysbiosis profiles associated with CDI in adults and infants, as well as the role of dysbiosis in C. difficile spores germination and multiplication. Both molecular and culturomic studies agree on a significant decrease of gut microbiota diversity and resilience in CDI, depletion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria phyla and a high abundance of Proteobacteria, associated with low butyrogenic and high lactic acid-bacteria levels. In symptomatic cases, microbiota deviations are associated with high levels of inflammatory markers, such as calprotectin. In infants, colonization with Bifidobacteria that trigger a local anti-inflammatory response and abundance of Ruminococcus, together with lack of receptors for clostridial toxins and immunological factors (e.g., C. difficile toxins neutralizing antibodies) might explain the lack of clinical symptoms. Gut dysbiosis amelioration through administration of “biotics” or non-toxigenic C. difficile preparations and fecal microbiota transplantation proved to be very useful for the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia-Magdalena Vasilescu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- INBI “Prof. Dr. Matei Balş” – National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc,
| | | | - Roxana Filip
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Regional County Emergency Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Department of General Surgery, University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Veronica Lazăr
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lia-Mara Diţu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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Abukhalil AD, AbuKhdeir L, Hamed M, Al Shami N, Naseef HA, Aiesh BM, Sabateen A. Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile Among Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Palestine. Infect Drug Resist 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/idr.s333985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Ressler A, Wang J, Rao K. Defining the black box: a narrative review of factors associated with adverse outcomes from severe Clostridioides difficile infection. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2021; 14:17562848211048127. [PMID: 34646358 PMCID: PMC8504270 DOI: 10.1177/17562848211048127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of healthcare-associated infection, affecting nearly half a million people and resulting in more than 20,000 in-hospital deaths every year. It is therefore imperative to better characterize the intricate interplay between C. difficile microbial factors, host immunologic signatures, and clinical features that are associated with adverse outcomes of severe CDI. In this narrative review, we discuss the implications of C. difficile genetics and virulence factors in the molecular epidemiology of CDI, and the utility of early biomarkers in predicting the clinical trajectory of patients at risk of developing severe CDI. Furthermore, we identify associations between host immune factors and CDI outcomes in both animal models and human studies. Next, we highlight clinical factors including renal dysfunction, aging, blood biomarkers, level of care, and chronic illnesses that can affect severe CDI diagnosis and outcome. Finally, we present our perspectives on two specific treatments pertinent to patient outcomes: metronidazole administration and surgery. Together, this review explores the various venues of CDI research and highlights the importance of integrating microbial, host, and clinical data to help clinicians make optimal treatment decisions based on accurate prediction of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ressler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joyce Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Costa DVS, Moura-Neto V, Bolick DT, Guerrant RL, Fawad JA, Shin JH, Medeiros PHQS, Ledwaba SE, Kolling GL, Martins CS, Venkataraman V, Warren CA, Brito GAC. S100B Inhibition Attenuates Intestinal Damage and Diarrhea Severity During Clostridioides difficile Infection by Modulating Inflammatory Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:739874. [PMID: 34568098 PMCID: PMC8461106 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.739874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the enteric nervous system, which is a source of S100B, in Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is poorly understood although intestinal motility dysfunctions are known to occur following infection. Here, we investigated the role of S100B in CDI and examined the S100B signaling pathways activated in C. difficile toxin A (TcdA)- and B (TcdB)-induced enteric glial cell (EGC) inflammatory response. The expression of S100B was measured in colon tissues and fecal samples of patients with and without CDI, as well as in colon tissues from C. difficile-infected mice. To investigate the role of S100B signaling in IL-6 expression induced by TcdA and TcdB, rat EGCs were used. Increased S100B was found in colonic biopsies from patients with CDI and colon tissues from C. difficile-infected mice. Patients with CDI-promoted diarrhea exhibited higher levels of fecal S100B compared to non-CDI cases. Inhibition of S100B by pentamidine reduced the synthesis of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, GMCSF, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, and IL-2 and downregulated a variety of NFκB-related genes, increased the transcription (SOCS2 and Bcl-2) of protective mediators, reduced neutrophil recruitment, and ameliorated intestinal damage and diarrhea severity in mice. In EGCs, TcdA and TcdB upregulated S100B-mediated IL-6 expression via activation of RAGE/PI3K/NFκB. Thus, CDI appears to upregulate colonic S100B signaling in EGCs, which in turn augment inflammatory response. Inhibition of S100B activity attenuates the intestinal injury and diarrhea caused by C. difficile toxins. Our findings provide new insight into the role of S100B in CDI pathogenesis and opens novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deiziane V S Costa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Vivaldo Moura-Neto
- Paulo Niemeyer Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - David T Bolick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Richard L Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jibraan A Fawad
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jae H Shin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Pedro H Q S Medeiros
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Solanka E Ledwaba
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Glynis L Kolling
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Conceição S Martins
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Venkat Venkataraman
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, United States.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, United States
| | - Cirle A Warren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Gerly A C Brito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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12
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Chiu PJ, Rathod J, Hong YP, Tsai PJ, Hung YP, Ko WC, Chen JW, Paredes-Sabja D, Huang IH. Clostridioides difficile spores stimulate inflammatory cytokine responses and induce cytotoxicity in macrophages. Anaerobe 2021; 70:102381. [PMID: 34082120 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2021.102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, and the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. During C. difficile infection, spores germinate in the presence of bile acids into vegetative cells that subsequently colonize the large intestine and produce toxins. In this study, we demonstrated that C. difficile spores can universally adhere to, and be phagocytosed by, murine macrophages. Only spores from toxigenic strains were able to significantly stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages and subsequently induce significant cytotoxicity. Spores from the isogenic TcdA and TcdB double mutant induced significantly lower inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxicity in macrophages, and these activities were restored by pre-exposure of the spores to either toxins. These findings suggest that during sporulation, spores might be coated with C. difficile toxins from the environment, which could affect C. difficile pathogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Jung Chiu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jagat Rathod
- Department of Earth Sciences National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Hong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jane Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jenn-Wei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Paredes-Sabja
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Millennium Nucleus in the Biology of Intestinal Microbiota, Santiago, Chile
| | - I-Hsiu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK, USA.
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13
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Golizeh M, Winter K, Roussel L, Landekic M, Langelier M, Loo VG, Ndao M, Vinh DC. Fecal host biomarkers predicting severity of Clostridioides difficile infection. JCI Insight 2021; 6:142976. [PMID: 33232301 PMCID: PMC7821589 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.142976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a major cause of health care-associated diarrhea. Severity ranges from mild to life-threatening, but this variability remains poorly understood. Microbiologic diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI) is straightforward but offers little insight into the patient's prognosis or into pathophysiologic determinants of clinical trajectory. The aim of this study was to discover host-derived, CDI-specific fecal biomarkers involved in disease severity. Subjects without and with CDI diarrhea were recruited. CDI severity was based on Infectious Diseases Society of America/Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America criteria. We developed a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry approach to identify host-derived protein biomarkers from stool and applied it to diagnostic samples for cohort-wise comparison (CDI-negative vs. nonsevere CDI vs. severe CDI). Selected biomarkers were orthogonally confirmed and subsequently verified in a CDI mouse model. We identified a protein signature from stool, consisting of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2MG), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), and alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), that not only discriminates CDI-positive samples from non-CDI ones but also is potentially associated with disease severity. In the mouse model, this signature with the murine homologs of the corresponding proteins was also identified. A2MG, MMP-7, and A1AT serve as biomarkers in patients with CDI and define novel components of the host response that may determine disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makan Golizeh
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Winter
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
| | - Lucie Roussel
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Host-directed Immunotherapy to Fight Infectious disease (HI-FI) Program, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marija Landekic
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology and.,Host-directed Immunotherapy to Fight Infectious disease (HI-FI) Program, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Langelier
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Host-directed Immunotherapy to Fight Infectious disease (HI-FI) Program, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Vivian G Loo
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology and.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebéc, Canada.,Host-directed Immunotherapy to Fight Infectious disease (HI-FI) Program, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, MUHC, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology and.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebéc, Canada
| | - Donald C Vinh
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology and.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebéc, Canada.,Host-directed Immunotherapy to Fight Infectious disease (HI-FI) Program, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, MUHC, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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14
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Abukhalil AD, AbuKhdeir L, Hamed M, Al Shami N, Naseef HA, Aiesh BM, Sabateen A. Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile Among Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Palestine. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:4681-4688. [PMID: 34785915 PMCID: PMC8591314 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s333985] [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: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clostridioides difficile is one of the most important nosocomial infection pathogens. It is linked with many risk factors. Unfortunately, many studies have been conducted in different countries to address the Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), and no studies have been conducted in Palestine. This study aims to identify the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with CDI. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH) in Palestine. Data were collected for patients diagnosed with CDI who tested positive for GDH, toxins A and B between January 2018 and April 30, 2021. In addition, patient characteristics and risk factors associated with CDI were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 593 participants were included in the study; 53% had hospital-acquired CDI. There was an insignificant association between participant age and CDI risk. Most patients had mild to moderate infections. Sixty-three percent of the participants were immunocompromised. About 58.5% used an antibiotic agent two weeks before CDI, and 67% were on a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). About 61.3% of patients were treated according to IDSA 2017 guidelines, and 94% responded adequately to the treatment provided. CONCLUSION There was an increased prevalence of community-acquired CDI, with a prevalence almost equal to that of hospital-acquired. In addition, most of the participants were immunocompromised. The risk factors for CDI, such as antibiotics and PPI use, were also observed with high prevalence among positive patients. Antimicrobial stewardship and the appropriate use of acid suppressors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Damin Abukhalil
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine
- Correspondence: Abdallah Damin Abukhalil Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14, Birzeit, West Bank, PalestineTel +970-598204036Fax +970-2-2982017 Email
| | - Liana AbuKhdeir
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Malak Hamed
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Ni'meh Al Shami
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Hani A Naseef
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Banan M Aiesh
- An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ali Sabateen
- An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
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15
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Extra-Intestinal Effects of C. difficile Toxin A and B: An In Vivo Study Using the Zebrafish Embryo Model. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122575. [PMID: 33271969 PMCID: PMC7760802 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
C.difficile infection (CDI) is not a merely “gut-confined” disease as toxemia could drive the development of CDI-related extra-intestinal effects. These effects could explain the high CDI-associated mortality, not just justified by diarrhea and dehydration. Here, the extra-intestinal effects of toxin A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) produced by C. difficile have been studied in vivo using the zebrafish embryo model. Noteworthy, protective properties of human serum albumin (HSA) towards toxins-induced extra-intestinal effects were also addressed. Zebrafish embryos were treated with TcdA, TcdB and/or HSA at 24 h post-fertilization. Embryos were analyzed for 48 h after treatment to check vital signs and morphological changes. Markers related to cardio-vascular damage and inflammation were evaluated by Real-Time quantitative PCR and/or western blotting. Both toxins induced cardiovascular damage in zebrafish embryos by different mechanisms: (i) direct toxicity (i.e., pericardial edema, cardiac chambers enlargement, endothelial alteration); (ii) increased hormonal production and release (i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)), (iii) alteration of the vascular system through the increase of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) levels, as well as of its receptors, (iv) pro-inflammatory response through high cytokines production (i.e., CXCL8, IL1B, IL6 and TNFα) and (v) cell-mediated damage due to the increase in neutrophils number. In addition to cardiovascular damage, we observe skin alteration and inflammation. Finally, our data indicate a protective effect of HSA toward the toxins induced extra-intestinal effects. Together, our findings can serve as a starting point for humans’ studies to substantiate and understand the extra-intestinal effects observed in CDI patients.
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16
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Hernandez BG, Vinithakumari AA, Sponseller B, Tangudu C, Mooyottu S. Prevalence, Colonization, Epidemiology, and Public Health Significance of Clostridioides difficile in Companion Animals. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:512551. [PMID: 33062657 PMCID: PMC7530174 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.512551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, previously Clostrdium difficile, is a major cause of antibiotic-associated enteric disease in humans in hospital settings. Increased incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) in community settings raises concerns over an alternative source of CDI for humans. The detection of genetically similar and toxigenic C. difficile isolates in companion animals, including asymptomatic pets, suggests the potential role of household pets as a source of community-associated CDI. The close association between companion animals and humans, in addition to the use of similar antibiotics in both species, could provide a selective advantage for the emergence of new C. difficile strains and thus increase the incidental transmission of CDI to humans. Therefore, screening household pets for C. difficile is becoming increasingly important from a public health standpoint and may become a part of routine testing in the future, for the benefit of susceptible or infected individuals within a household. In this review, we analyze available information on prevalence, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and molecular genetics of C. difficile infection, focusing on companion animals and evaluate the risk of pet-borne transmission of CDI as an emerging public health concern. Molecular epidemiological characterization of companion animal C. difficile strains could provide further insights into the interspecies transmission of CDI. The mosaic nature of C. difficile genomes and their susceptibility to horizontal gene transfer may facilitate the inter-mixing of genetic material, which could increase the possibility of the emergence of new community-associated CDI strains. However, detailed genome-wide characterization and comparative genome analysis are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen G. Hernandez
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | - Brett Sponseller
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Chandra Tangudu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Shankumar Mooyottu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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17
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Lei C, Mu J, Teng Y, He L, Xu F, Zhang X, Sundaram K, Kumar A, Sriwastva MK, Lawrenz MB, Zhang L, Yan J, Feng W, McClain CJ, Zhang X, Zhang HG. Lemon Exosome-like Nanoparticles-Manipulated Probiotics Protect Mice from C. d iff Infection. iScience 2020; 23:101571. [PMID: 33083738 PMCID: PMC7530291 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. Here, we report that lemon exosome-like nanoparticles (LELNs) manipulated probiotics to inhibit C. diff infection (CDI). LELN-manipulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Streptococcus thermophilus ST-21 (STH) (LELN-LS) decrease CDI mortality via an LELN-mediated increase in bile resistance and gut survivability. LELN-LS treatment increases the AhR ligands indole-3-lactic acid (I3LA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3Ald), leading to induction of IL-22, and increases lactic acid leading to a decrease of C. diff fecal shedding by inhibiting C. diff growth and indole biosynthesis. A synergistic effect between STH and LGG was identified. The STH metabolites inhibit gluconeogenesis of LGG and allow fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) to accumulate in LGG; accumulated FBP then activates lactate dehydrogenase of LGG (LGG-LDH) and enhances production of lactic acid and the AhR ligand. Our findings provide a new strategy for CDI prevention and treatment with a new type of prebiotics. LELNs-manipulated probiotics protect mice from C. diff infection LELNs manipulation modulates gut metabolomics composition Cross talk between LGG and STH enhances production of lactic acid and AhR ligands
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jingyao Mu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Liqing He
- Kidney Disease Program and Clinical Proteomics Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Fangyi Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Xiangcheng Zhang
- Department of ICU, the Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu 223300, China
| | - Kumaran Sundaram
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Mukesh K Sriwastva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Matthew B Lawrenz
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Wenke Feng
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Craig J McClain
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Kidney Disease Program and Clinical Proteomics Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Huang-Ge Zhang
- Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40206, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, CTRB 309 505 Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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18
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Abstract
Abstract
Introduction:
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common infectious cause of diarrhoea in hospitalised patients. It is a severe issue with increasing incidence in healtcare facilities and commmunities. Early and appropriate testing of CDI is very imortant. There are many different approaches that can be used in the CDI laboratory diagnostics. Recently performed studies evaluated diagnostic algorithms to optimize laboratory CDI diagnostics. The aim of the work was to implement an optimal algorithm of testing methods in CDI diagnostics.
Materials and methods: The retrospective analysis of patients’ samples suspected on CDI was carried out in 2017. The data was analysed from the Laboratory Klinicka Biochemia in Zilina. The application of ESCMID re -commendation criteria for algorithm of testing, together with procedures in laboratory practice was carried out.
Results: The analysis of the data showed that the applied algorithm or testing in CDI and highlighted the importance of preanalytic phase, and the evaluation of testing methods and results, together with clinical findings. Two- and three- step algorithm together with cultivation methods were applied. 87,6% of samples could be eva -luated with positive or negative results according to the 2-step algorhitm. Further samples were assessed and tested by ELISA test or PCR method.
Conclusion: CDI represents a significant burden in healthcare facilities. An early diagnostics and interpretation helps to start the early treatment and helps in surveillence of the infection.
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19
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Andersson JA, Peniche AG, Galindo CL, Boonma P, Sha J, Luna RA, Savidge TC, Chopra AK, Dann SM. New Host-Directed Therapeutics for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection. mBio 2020; 11:e00053-20. [PMID: 32156806 PMCID: PMC7064747 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00053-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent and excessive use of antibiotics primes patients to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), which leads to fatal pseudomembranous colitis, with limited treatment options. In earlier reports, we used a drug repurposing strategy and identified amoxapine (an antidepressant), doxapram (a breathing stimulant), and trifluoperazine (an antipsychotic), which provided significant protection to mice against lethal infections with several pathogens, including C. difficile However, the mechanisms of action of these drugs were not known. Here, we provide evidence that all three drugs offered protection against experimental CDI by reducing bacterial burden and toxin levels, although the drugs were neither bacteriostatic nor bactericidal in nature and had minimal impact on the composition of the microbiota. Drug-mediated protection was dependent on the presence of the microbiota, implicating its role in evoking host defenses that promoted protective immunity. By utilizing transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified that each drug increased expression of several innate immune response-related genes, including those involved in the recruitment of neutrophils, the production of interleukin 33 (IL-33), and the IL-22 signaling pathway. The RNA-seq data on selected genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and protein assays. Focusing on amoxapine, which had the best anti-CDI outcome, we demonstrated that neutralization of IL-33 or depletion of neutrophils resulted in loss of drug efficacy. Overall, our lead drugs promote disease alleviation and survival in the murine model through activation of IL-33 and by clearing the pathogen through host defense mechanisms that critically include an early influx of neutrophils.IMPORTANCEClostridioides difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium and the leading cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. With few therapeutic options and high rates of disease recurrence, the need to develop new treatment options is urgent. Prior studies utilizing a repurposing approach identified three nonantibiotic Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, amoxapine, doxapram, and trifluoperazine, with efficacy against a broad range of human pathogens; however, the protective mechanisms remained unknown. Here, we identified mechanisms leading to drug efficacy in a murine model of lethal C. difficile infection (CDI), advancing our understanding of the role of these drugs in infectious disease pathogenesis that center on host immune responses to C. difficile Overall, these studies highlight the crucial involvement of innate immune responses, as well as the importance of immunomodulation as a potential therapeutic option to combat CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jourdan A Andersson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alex G Peniche
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cristi L Galindo
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Prapaporn Boonma
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jian Sha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Luna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tor C Savidge
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashok K Chopra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara M Dann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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20
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Clostridioides difficile Infection Induces an Inferior IgG Response to That Induced by Immunization and Is Associated with a Lack of T Follicular Helper Cell and Memory B Cell Expansion. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00829-19. [PMID: 31871095 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00829-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellularly active bacterial toxin TcdB is a major Clostridioides difficile virulence factor that contributes to inflammation and tissue damage during disease. Immunization with an inactive TcdB fragment prevents C. difficile infection (CDI)-associated pathology. The protective immune response against inactive TcdB involves development of antigen-specific memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells that encode TcdB-neutralizing antibodies. Unlike the response to inactive TcdB, very little is known about the host humoral immune response to C. difficile and TcdB during primary and recurrent infection. Here, we used a murine model of C. difficile disease recurrence to demonstrate that an initial infection induced a serum IgM and mucosal IgA response against the toxin, but a low serum IgG response, which is associated with a lack of protection against disease during reinfection. Infection induced a partial expansion of the T follicular helper cell compartment, essential for B cell memory responses, and, consistent with that, failed to significantly expand the memory B cell compartment. Further, infection failed to stimulate the memory B cell compartment in preimmunized mice, although they were protected against associated disease. These results delineate the key humoral immune events that follow primary and recurrent C. difficile infection and provide a compelling inverse correlation between B cell memory and disease recurrence.
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21
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Amadou Amani S, Lang ML. Bacteria That Cause Enteric Diseases Stimulate Distinct Humoral Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565648. [PMID: 33042146 PMCID: PMC7524877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial enteric pathogens individually and collectively represent a serious global health burden. Humoral immune responses following natural or experimentally-induced infections are broadly appreciated to contribute to pathogen clearance and prevention of disease recurrence. Herein, we have compared observations on humoral immune mechanisms following infection with Citrobacter rodentium, the model for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella species, Salmonella enterica species, and Clostridioides difficile. A comparison of what is known about the humoral immune responses to these pathogens reveals considerable variance in specific features of humoral immunity including establishment of high affinity, IgG class-switched memory B cell and long-lived plasma cell compartments. This article suggests that such variance could be contributory to persistent and recurrent disease.
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22
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Lopez CA, Beavers WN, Weiss A, Knippel RJ, Zackular JP, Chazin W, Skaar EP. The Immune Protein Calprotectin Impacts Clostridioides difficile Metabolism through Zinc Limitation. mBio 2019; 10:e02289-19. [PMID: 31744916 PMCID: PMC6867894 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02289-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestines house a diverse microbiota that must compete for nutrients to survive, but the specific limiting nutrients that control pathogen colonization are not clearly defined. Clostridioides difficile colonization typically requires prior disruption of the microbiota, suggesting that outcompeting commensals for resources is critical to establishing C. difficile infection (CDI). The immune protein calprotectin (CP) is released into the gut lumen during CDI to chelate zinc (Zn) and other essential nutrient metals. Yet, the impact of Zn limitation on C. difficile colonization is unknown. To define C. difficile responses to Zn limitation, we performed RNA sequencing on C. difficile exposed to CP. In medium containing CP, C. difficile upregulated genes involved in metal homeostasis and amino acid metabolism. To identify CP-responsive genes important during infection, we measured the abundance of select C. difficile transcripts in a mouse CDI model relative to expression in vitro Gene transcripts involved in selenium (Se)-dependent proline fermentation increased during infection and in response to CP. Increased proline fermentation gene transcription was dependent on CP Zn binding and proline availability, yet proline fermentation was only enhanced when Se was supplemented. CP-deficient mice could not restrain C. difficile proline fermentation-dependent growth, suggesting that CP-mediated Zn sequestration along with limited Se restricts C. difficile proline fermentation. Overall, these results highlight how C. difficile colonization depends on the availability of multiple nutrients whose abundances are dynamically influenced by the host response.IMPORTANCEClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of postantibiotic nosocomial infection. Antibiotic therapy can be successful, yet up to one-third of individuals suffer from recurrent infections. Understanding the mechanisms controlling C. difficile colonization is paramount in designing novel treatments for primary and recurrent CDI. Here, we found that limiting nutrients control C. difficile metabolism during CDI and influence overall pathogen fitness. Specifically, the immune protein CP limits Zn availability and increases transcription of C. difficile genes necessary for proline fermentation. Paradoxically, this leads to reduced C. difficile proline fermentation. This reduced fermentation is due to limited availability of another nutrient required for proline fermentation, Se. Therefore, CP-mediated Zn limitation combined with low Se levels overall reduce C. difficile fitness in the intestines. These results emphasize the complexities of how nutrient availability influences C. difficile colonization and provide insight into critical metabolic processes that drive the pathogen's growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lopez
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William N Beavers
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andy Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Reece J Knippel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph P Zackular
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Protective Immunity, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Walter Chazin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eric P Skaar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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23
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Hamo Z, Azrad M, Nitzan O, Peretz A. Characterization of the Immune Response during Infection Caused by Clostridioides difficile. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7100435. [PMID: 31658740 PMCID: PMC6843454 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The high risk of complications and death following Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) requires identifying patients with severe disease and treating them accordingly. We characterized the immune response of CDI patients in relation to infection severity. Concentrations of 28 cytokines and chemokines were measured in serum samples, obtained from 54 CDI patients within a median timeframe of 24–48 h after laboratory confirmation of C. difficile infection. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Disease severity score was determined by “Score indices for Clostridioides difficile infection severity”. Of 54 patients (mean age, 76.6 years, 61.1% female), 38 (70.4%) had mild disease and 16 (29.6%) had moderate disease. Seven cytokines were associated with a more severe CDI: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p = 0.0106), interleukin (IL)-1β (p = 0.004), IL-8 (p = 0.0098), IL-12p70 (p = 0.0118), interferon-α (p = 0.0282), IL-15 (p = 0.0015), and IL-2 (p = 0.0031). Additionally, there was an increased T-helper 1 response in more severe cases of CDI. Cytokines may serve as biomarkers for early prediction of CDI severity. Better and earlier assessment of illness severity will contribute to the adjustment of medical treatment, including monitoring and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Hamo
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Maya Azrad
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Orna Nitzan
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Avi Peretz
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
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24
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Connor MC, McGrath JW, McMullan G, Marks N, Guelbenzu M, Fairley DJ. Emergence of a non-sporulating secondary phenotype in Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile ribotype 078 isolated from humans and animals. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13722. [PMID: 31548637 PMCID: PMC6757067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a Gram positive, spore forming anaerobic bacterium that is a leading cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in the developed world. C. difficile is a genetically diverse species that can be divided into 8 phylogenetically distinct clades with clade 5 found to be genetically distant from all others. Isolates with the PCR ribotype 078 belong to clade 5, and are often associated with C. difficile infection in both humans and animals. Colonisation of animals and humans by ribotype 078 raises questions about possible zoonotic transmission, and also the diversity of reservoirs for ribotype 078 strains within the environment. One of the key factors which enables C. difficile to be a successful, highly transmissible pathogen is its ability to produce oxygen resistant spores capable of surviving harsh conditions. Here we describe the existence of a non-sporulating variant of C. difficile ribotype 078 harbouring mutations leading to premature stop codons within the master regulator, Spo0A. As sporulation is imperative to the successful transmission of C. difficile this study was undertaken to investigate phenotypic characteristics of this asporogenous phenotype with regards to growth rate, antibiotic susceptibility, toxin production and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Connor
- School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - J W McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - G McMullan
- School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - N Marks
- School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - M Guelbenzu
- Veterinary Science Division, Agri-Food Biosciences Institute, Belfast, UK.,Animal Health Ireland, Carrick on Shannon, Republic of Ireland
| | - D J Fairley
- Department of Microbiology, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
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25
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Giau VV, Lee H, An SSA, Hulme J. Recent advances in the treatment of C. difficile using biotherapeutic agents. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:1597-1615. [PMID: 31354309 PMCID: PMC6579870 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s207572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent health care–associated bacterial infections in the developed world. The emergence of new, more virulent strains has led to greater morbidity and resistance to standard therapies. The bacterium is readily transmitted between people where it can asymptomatically colonize the gut environment, and clinical manifestations ranging from frequent watery diarrhea to toxic megacolon can arise depending on the age of the individual or their state of gut dysbiosis. Several inexpensive approaches are shown to be effective against virulent C. difficile in research settings such as probiotics, fecal microbiota transfer and immunotherapies. This review aims to highlight the current advantages and limitations of the aforementioned approaches with an emphasis on recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vo Van Giau
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 461-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 461-701, Republic of Korea
| | - John Hulme
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 461-701, Republic of Korea
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26
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Nunes CF, Nogueira JS, Vianna PHO, Ciambarella BT, Rodrigues PM, Miranda KR, Lobo LA, Domingues RMCP, Busch M, Atella GC, Vale AM, Bellio M, Nóbrega A, Canto FB, Fucs R. Probiotic treatment during neonatal age provides optimal protection against experimental asthma through the modulation of microbiota and T cells. Int Immunol 2019; 30:155-169. [PMID: 29420746 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of allergic diseases, which increased to epidemic proportions in developed countries over the last few decades, has been correlated with altered gut microbiota colonization. Although probiotics may play a critical role in the restoration of gut homeostasis, their efficiency in the control of allergy is controversial. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic treatment initiated at neonatal or adult ages on the suppression of experimental ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Neonatal or adult mice were orally treated with probiotic bacteria and subjected to OVA-induced allergy. Asthma-like symptoms, microbiota composition and frequencies of the total CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells were evaluated in both groups. Probiotic administration to neonates, but not to adults, was necessary and sufficient for the absolute prevention of experimental allergen-induced sensitization. The neonatally acquired tolerance, transferrable to probiotic-untreated adult recipients by splenic cells from tolerant donors, was associated with modulation of gut bacterial composition, augmented levels of cecum butyrate and selective accumulation of Treg cells in the airways. Our findings reveal that a cross-talk between a healthy microbiota and qualitative features inherent to neonatal T cells, especially in the Treg cell subset, might support the beneficial effect of perinatal exposure to probiotic bacteria on the development of long-term tolerance to allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fraga Nunes
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biologia - Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Jeane S Nogueira
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biologia - Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Oliveira Vianna
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Karla Rodrigues Miranda
- Faculdade de Farmácia - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/Campus Macaé, Macaé - RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro Araújo Lobo
- Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Mileane Busch
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
| | - Georgia Correa Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
| | - André Macedo Vale
- Laboratório de Imunorreceptores e Sinalização, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Bellio
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alberto Nóbrega
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fábio B Canto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés (IMPG) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biologia - Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Rita Fucs
- Departamento de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biologia - Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói - RJ, Brazil
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27
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Markey L, Shaban L, Green ER, Lemon KP, Mecsas J, Kumamoto CA. Pre-colonization with the commensal fungus Candida albicans reduces murine susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection. Gut Microbes 2018; 9:497-509. [PMID: 29667487 PMCID: PMC6287688 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2018.1465158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a major nosocomial pathogen responsible for close to half a million infections and 27,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Preceding antibiotic treatment is a major risk factor for C. difficile infection (CDI) leading to recognition that commensal microbes play a key role in resistance to CDI. Current antibiotic treatment of CDI is only partially successful due to a high rate of relapse. As a result, there is interest in understanding the effects of microbes on CDI susceptibility to support treatment of patients with probiotic microbes or entire microbial communities (e.g., fecal microbiota transplantation). The results reported here demonstrate that colonization with the human commensal fungus Candida albicans protects against lethal CDI in a murine model. Colonization with C. albicans did not increase the colonization resistance of the host. Rather, our findings showed that one effect of C. albicans colonization was to enhance a protective immune response. Mice pre-colonized with C. albicans expressed higher levels of IL-17A in infected tissue following C. difficile challenge compared to mice that were not colonized with C. albicans. Administration of cytokine IL-17A was demonstrated to be protective against lethal murine CDI in mice not colonized with C. albicans. C. albicans colonization was associated with changes in the abundance of some bacterial components of the gut microbiota. Therefore, C. albicans colonization altered the gut ecosystem, enhancing survival after C. difficile challenge. These findings demonstrate a new, beneficial role for C. albicans gut colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Markey
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Lamyaa Shaban
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Erin R. Green
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine P. Lemon
- The Forsyth Institute (Microbiology), Cambridge, MA and Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joan Mecsas
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
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28
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Chiang SR, Lai CC, Ho CH, Chen CM, Chao CM, Wang JJ, Cheng KC. Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Assistance Interacts Synergistically with Carbapenem for Clostridium difficile Infection in Critically Ill Patients. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7080224. [PMID: 30127264 PMCID: PMC6111739 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7080224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Interactions between mechanical ventilation (MV) and carbapenem interventions were investigated for the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in critically ill patients undergoing concurrent carbapenem therapy. Methods: Taiwan’s National Intensive Care Unit Database (NICUD) was used in this analytical, observational, and retrospective study. We analyzed 267,871 intubated patients in subgroups based on the duration of MV support: 7–14 days (n = 97,525), 15–21 days (n = 52,068), 22–28 days (n = 35,264), and 29–60 days (n = 70,021). The primary outcome was CDI. Results: Age (>75 years old), prolonged MV assistance (>21 days), carbapenem therapy (>15 days), and high comorbidity scores were identified as independent risk factors for developing CDI. CDI risk increased with longer MV support. The highest rate of CDI was in the MV 29–60 days subgroup (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.46–5.58; p < 0.02). Moreover, higher CDI rates correlated with the interaction between MV and carbapenem interventions; these CDI risks were increased in the MV 15–21 days (AHR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.12–5.91) and MV 29–60 days (AHR = 4.63; 95% CI = 1.14–10.03) subgroups than in the non-MV and non-carbapenem subgroups. Conclusions: Both MV support and carbapenem interventions significantly increase the risk that critically ill patients will develop CDI. Moreover, prolonged MV support and carbapenem therapy synergistically induce CDI. These findings provide new insights into the role of MV support in the development of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyh-Ren Chiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, 71004 Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of General Education, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, 71710 Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, 73657 Liouying, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Han Ho
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, 71004 Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, 71710 Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Ming Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, 71004 Tainan, Taiwan.
- Departments of Recreation and Healthcare Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, 71710 Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, 73657 Liouying, Taiwan.
| | - Jhi-Joung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, 71004 Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Chen Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, 71004 Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, 71703 Tainan, Taiwan.
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29
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Abstract
Each year in the United States, billions of dollars are spent combating almost half a million Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) and trying to reduce the ∼29,000 patient deaths in which C. difficile has an attributed role. In Europe, disease prevalence varies by country and level of surveillance, though yearly costs are estimated at €3 billion. One factor contributing to the significant health care burden of C. difficile is the relatively high frequency of recurrent CDIs. Recurrent CDI, i.e., a second episode of symptomatic CDI occurring within 8 weeks of successful initial CDI treatment, occurs in ∼25% of patients, with 35 to 65% of these patients experiencing multiple episodes of recurrent disease. Using microbial communities to treat recurrent CDI, either as whole fecal transplants or as defined consortia of bacterial isolates, has shown great success (in the case of fecal transplants) or potential promise (in the case of defined consortia of isolates). This review will briefly summarize the epidemiology and physiology of C. difficile infection, describe our current understanding of how fecal microbiota transplants treat recurrent CDI, and outline potential ways that knowledge can be used to rationally design and test alternative microbe-based therapeutics.
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30
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Probiotics may prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a leading healthcare-associated infection in the United States. However, prior studies were limited by heterogeneity in products and patient populations. Recent clinical evidence and new approaches to probiotic development are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Probiotic use may reduce incident CDI in high-risk populations by as much as 50%, though prior clinical trials have yielded conflicting results. Combining probiotics with prebiotics improves growth and engraftment in the host. Bacillus clausii and Lactobacillus reuteri secrete compounds that directly inhibit C. difficile. Organisms that produce secondary bile acids, such as Clostridium scindens, enhance C. difficile colonization resistance. Nontoxigenic C. difficile, which provides nutritional niche competition, may prevent CDI. Refinements to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) blur the line between probiotics and FMT. These include a quality-controlled stool product (RBX2660), purified Firmicutes spores (SER-109) and sterile fecal filtrate. Bacteriophages may treat CDI but have unknown safety and efficacy in humans. SUMMARY There have been a number of advances in probiotics and our understanding of their role in prevention of CDI, but a number of important safety and efficacy questions remain. An improved understanding of the native microbiota structure and function will allow for continued development of rationally designed probiotic therapy to provide enhanced protection against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Mills
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine
| | - Krishna Rao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine
| | - Vincent B Young
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine
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31
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Potocki W, Negri A, Peszyńska-Sularz G, Hinc K, Obuchowski M, Iwanicki A. The combination of recombinant and non-recombinant Bacillus subtilis spore display technology for presentation of antigen and adjuvant on single spore. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:151. [PMID: 28899372 PMCID: PMC5596941 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus subtilis spores can be used for presentation of heterologous proteins. Two main approaches have been developed, the recombinant one, requiring modification of bacterial genome to express a protein of interest as a fusion with spore-coat protein, and non-recombinant, based on the adsorption of a heterologous protein onto the spore. So far only single proteins have been displayed on the spore surface. RESULTS We have used a combined approach to adsorb and display FliD protein of Clostridium difficile on the surface of recombinant IL-2-presenting spores. Such spores presented FliD protein with efficiency comparable to FliD-adsorbed spores produced by wild-type 168 strain and elicited FliD-specific immune response in intranasally immunized mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that such dual display technology may be useful in creation of spores simultaneously presenting adjuvant and antigen molecules. Regarding the characteristics of elicited immune response it seems plausible that such recombinant IL-2-presenting spores with adsorbed FliD protein might be an interesting candidate for vaccine against infections with Clostridium difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Potocki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alessandro Negri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Hinc
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Obuchowski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adam Iwanicki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG-MUG, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
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32
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Fischer M. Clostridium difficile Infection and the Role of Adaptive Immunity in the Microbiome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2017; 13:301-303. [PMID: 28656028 PMCID: PMC5479344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fischer
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana
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33
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Martínez-Meléndez A, Camacho-Ortiz A, Morfin-Otero R, Maldonado-Garza HJ, Villarreal-Treviño L, Garza-González E. Current knowledge on the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:1552-1567. [PMID: 28321156 PMCID: PMC5340807 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is the principal etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Infection with C. difficile (CDI) is characterized by diarrhea in clinical syndromes that vary from self-limited to mild or severe. Since its initial recognition as the causative agent of pseudomembranous colitis, C. difficile has spread around the world. CDI is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among older adult hospitalized patients. Due to extensive antibiotic usage, the number of CDIs has increased. Diagnosis of CDI is often difficult and has a substantial impact on the management of patients with the disease, mainly with regards to antibiotic management. The diagnosis of CDI is primarily based on the clinical signs and symptoms and is only confirmed by laboratory testing. Despite the high burden of CDI and the increasing interest in the disease, episodes of CDI are often misdiagnosed. The reasons for misdiagnosis are the lack of clinical suspicion or the use of inappropriate tests. The proper diagnosis of CDI reduces transmission, prevents inadequate or unnecessary treatments, and assures best antibiotic treatment. We review the options for the laboratory diagnosis of CDI within the settings of the most accepted guidelines for CDI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CDI.
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Ability of Lactobacillus kefiri LKF01 (DSM32079) to colonize the intestinal environment and modify the gut microbiota composition of healthy individuals. Dig Liver Dis 2017; 49:261-267. [PMID: 27939319 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotics have been observed to positively influence the host's health, but to date few data about the ability of probiotics to modify the gut microbiota composition exist. AIMS To evaluate the ability of Lactobacillus kefiri LKF01 DSM32079 (LKEF) to colonize the intestinal environment of healthy subjects and modify the gut microbiota composition. METHODS Twenty Italian healthy volunteers were randomized in pre-prandial and post-prandial groups. Changes in the gut microbiota composition were detected by using a Next Generation Sequencing technology (Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine). RESULTS L. kefiri was recovered in the feces of all volunteers after one month of probiotic administration, while it was detected only in three subjects belonging to the pre-prandial group and in two subjects belonging to the post-prandial group one month after the end of probiotic consumption. After one month of probiotic oral intake we observed a reduction of Bilophila, Butyricicomonas, Flavonifractor, Oscillibacter and Prevotella. Interestingly, after the end of probiotic administration Bacteroides, Barnesiella, Butyricicomonas, Clostridium, Haemophilus, Oscillibacter, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Subdoligranolum, and Veillonella were significantly reduced if compared to baseline samples. CONCLUSION L. kefiri LKF01 showed a strong ability to modulate the gut microbiota composition, leading to a significant reduction of several bacterial genera directly involved in the onset of pro-inflammatory response and gastrointestinal diseases.
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Abt MC, McKenney PT, Pamer EG. Clostridium difficile colitis: pathogenesis and host defence. Nat Rev Microbiol 2016; 14:609-20. [PMID: 27573580 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a major cause of intestinal infection and diarrhoea in individuals following antibiotic treatment. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms that induce spore formation and germination and have determined the roles of C. difficile toxins in disease pathogenesis. Exciting progress has also been made in defining the role of the microbiome, specific commensal bacterial species and host immunity in defence against infection with C. difficile. This Review will summarize the recent discoveries and developments in our understanding of C. difficile infection and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Abt
- Immunology Program, Lucille Castori Center for Microbes, Inflammation and Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Peter T McKenney
- Immunology Program, Lucille Castori Center for Microbes, Inflammation and Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Immunology Program, Lucille Castori Center for Microbes, Inflammation and Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Abstract
Clostridium difficile continues to be one of the most prevalent hospital-acquired bacterial infections in the developed world, despite the recent introduction of a novel and effective antibiotic agent (fidaxomicin). Alternative approaches under investigation to combat the anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria include fecal transplantation therapy, vaccines, and antibody-based immunotherapies. In this review, we catalog the recent advances in antibody-based approaches under development and in the clinic for the treatment of C. difficile infection. By and large, inhibitory antibodies that recognize the primary C. difficile virulence factors, toxin A and toxin B, are the most popular passive immunotherapies under investigation. We provide a detailed summary of the toxin epitopes recognized by various antitoxin antibodies and discuss general trends on toxin inhibition efficacy. In addition, antibodies to other C. difficile targets, such as surface-layer proteins, binary toxin, motility factors, and adherence and colonization factors, are introduced in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Hussack
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa
| | - Jamshid Tanha
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa; School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Clostridium difficile infection: epidemiology, diagnosis and understanding transmission. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 13:206-16. [PMID: 26956066 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) continues to affect patients in hospitals and communities worldwide. The spectrum of clinical disease ranges from mild diarrhoea to toxic megacolon, colonic perforation and death. However, this bacterium might also be carried asymptomatically in the gut, potentially leading to 'silent' onward transmission. Modern technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing and multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis, are helping to track C. difficile transmission across health-care facilities, countries and continents, offering the potential to illuminate previously under-recognized sources of infection. These typing strategies have also demonstrated heterogeneity in terms of CDI incidence and strain types reflecting different stages of epidemic spread. However, comparison of CDI epidemiology, particularly between countries, is challenging due to wide-ranging approaches to sampling and testing. Diagnostic strategies for C. difficile are complicated both by the wide range of bacterial targets and tests available and the need to differentiate between toxin-producing and non-toxigenic strains. Multistep diagnostic algorithms have been recommended to improve sensitivity and specificity. In this Review, we describe the latest advances in the understanding of C. difficile epidemiology, transmission and diagnosis, and discuss the effect of these developments on the clinical management of CDI.
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Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant Clostridium difficile flagellar protein FliC. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e8. [PMID: 26839147 PMCID: PMC4777929 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive bacillus and is the leading cause of toxin-mediated nosocomial diarrhea following antibiotic use. C. difficile flagella play a role in colonization, adherence, biofilm formation, and toxin production, which might contribute to the overall virulence of certain strains. Human and animal studies indicate that anti-flagella immune responses may play a role in protection against colonization by C. difficile and subsequent disease outcome. Here we report that recombinant C. difficile flagellin (FliC) is immunogenic and protective in a murine model of C. difficile infection (CDI) against a clinical C. difficile strain, UK1. Passive protection experiments using anti-FliC polyclonal serum in mice suggest this protection to be antibody-mediated. FliC immunization also was able to afford partial protection against CDI and death in hamsters following challenge with C. difficile 630Δerm. Additionally, immunization against FliC does not have an adverse effect on the normal gut flora of vaccinated hamsters as evidenced by comparing the fecal microbiome of vaccinated and control hamsters. Therefore, the use of FliC as a vaccine candidate against CDI warrants further testing.
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Chen S, Sun C, Wang H, Wang J. The Role of Rho GTPases in Toxicity of Clostridium difficile Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:5254-67. [PMID: 26633511 PMCID: PMC4690124 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is the main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevailing in hospital settings. In the past decade, the morbidity and mortality of C. difficile infection (CDI) has increased significantly due to the emergence of hypervirulent strains. Toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), the two exotoxins of C. difficile, are the major virulence factors of CDI. The common mode of action of TcdA and TcdB is elicited by specific glucosylation of Rho-GTPase proteins in the host cytosol using UDP-glucose as a co-substrate, resulting in the inactivation of Rho proteins. Rho proteins are the key members in many biological processes and signaling pathways, inactivation of which leads to cytopathic and cytotoxic effects and immune responses of the host cells. It is supposed that Rho GTPases play an important role in the toxicity of C. difficile toxins. This review focuses on recent progresses in the understanding of functional consequences of Rho GTPases glucosylation induced by C. difficile toxins and the role of Rho GTPases in the toxicity of TcdA and TcdB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Chen
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Chunli Sun
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Haiying Wang
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jufang Wang
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Moore JH, Pinheiro CCD, Zaenker EI, Bolick DT, Kolling GL, van Opstal E, Noronha FJD, De Medeiros PHQS, Rodriguez RS, Lima AA, Guerrant RL, Warren CA. Defined Nutrient Diets Alter Susceptibility to Clostridium difficile Associated Disease in a Murine Model. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131829. [PMID: 26181795 PMCID: PMC4504475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium difficile is a major identifiable and treatable cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Poor nutritional status contributes to mortality through weakened host defenses against various pathogens. The primary goal of this study was to assess the contribution of a reduced protein diet to the outcomes of C. difficile infection in a murine model. Methods C57BL/6 mice were fed a traditional house chow or a defined diet with either 20% protein or 2% protein and infected with C. difficile strain VPI10463. Animals were monitored for disease severity, clostridial shedding and fecal toxin levels. Select intestinal microbiota were measured in stool and C. difficile growth and toxin production were quantified ex vivo in intestinal contents from untreated or antibiotic-treated mice fed with the different diets. Results C. difficile infected mice fed with defined diets, particularly (and unexpectedly) with protein deficient diet, had increased survival, decreased weight loss, and decreased overall disease severity. C. difficile shedding and toxin in the stool of the traditional diet group was increased compared with either defined diet 1 day post infection. Mice fed with traditional diet had an increased intestinal Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio following antibiotic exposure compared with either a 2% or 20% protein defined nutrient diet. Ex vivo inoculation of cecal contents from antibiotic-treated mice showed decreased toxin production and C. difficile growth in both defined diets compared with a traditional diet. Conclusions Low protein diets, and defined nutrient diets in general, were found to be protective against CDI in mice. Associated diet-induced alterations in intestinal microbiota may influence colonization resistance and clostridial toxin production in a defined nutrient diet compared to a traditional diet, leading to increased survival. However, mechanisms which led to survival differences between 2% and 20% protein defined nutrient diets need to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Moore
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - Edna I. Zaenker
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - David T. Bolick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Glynis L. Kolling
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Edward van Opstal
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Aldo A. Lima
- Biomedicine Institute, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Richard L. Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Cirle A. Warren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Morteanu S, Chirt G, Beuran M. Clostridium Difficile Colitis in Trauma Patients - a Global Step by Step Review. MAEDICA 2015; 10:163-169. [PMID: 28275412 PMCID: PMC5327811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile associated disease is a well recognized nosocomial infection evolving as a severediarrheal illness, associated with significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection is higher and its impact is more severe in trauma patients when compared with general inpatient population. There are several potential diagnosis tools for Clostridium difficile colitis, however choosing the right diagnostic approach is a difficult task, especially in trauma patients in whom a rapid and certain diagnosis is of paramount importance. Moreover, managing these patients may prove to be a very challenging task, considering the emergence of novel aggressive Clostridium difficile strains resulting in increased disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silviu Morteanu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Chirt
- Department of Surgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Beuran
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Sun X, Hirota SA. The roles of host and pathogen factors and the innate immune response in the pathogenesis of Clostridium difficile infection. Mol Immunol 2014; 63:193-202. [PMID: 25242213 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is the most common cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea and the etiologic agent of pseudomembranous colitis. The clinical manifestation of C. difficile infection (CDI) is highly variable, from asymptomatic carriage, to mild self-limiting diarrhea, to the more severe pseudomembranous colitis. Furthermore, in extreme cases, colonic inflammation and tissue damage can lead to toxic megacolon, a condition requiring surgical intervention. C. difficile expresses two key virulence factors; the exotoxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), which are glucosyltransferases that target host-cell monomeric GTPases. In addition, some hypervirulent strains produce a third toxin, binary toxin or C. difficile transferase (CDT), which may contribute to the pathogenesis of CDI. More recently, other factors such as surface layer proteins (SLPs) and flagellin have also been linked to the inflammatory responses observed in CDI. Although the adaptive immune response can influence the severity of CDI, the innate immune responses to C. difficile and its toxins play crucial roles in CDI onset, progression, and overall prognosis. Despite this, the innate immune responses in CDI have drawn relatively little attention from clinical researchers. Targeting these responses may prove useful clinically as adjuvant therapies, especially in refractory and/or recurrent CDI. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of how C. difficile and its toxins modulate innate immune responses that contribute to CDI pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmin Sun
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA; Tufts University, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - Simon A Hirota
- University of Calgary, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
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