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Nagesh VK, Tran HHV, Elias D, Kianifar Aguilar I, Sethi T, Menon A, Mansour C, Furman F, Tsotsos K, Subar T, Auda A, Sidiqui A, Lamar J, Wadhwani N, Dey S, Lo A, Atoot A, Weissman S, Sifuentes H, Bangolo AI. Therapeutics involved in managing initial and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: An updated literature review. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2024; 15:95467. [PMID: 39281262 PMCID: PMC11401021 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v15.i5.95467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been increasing due to the effect of recurrent hospitalizations. The use of antibiotics has been shown to alter the gut microbiome and lead to CDIs. The treatment is limited to three major antibiotics; however, the incidence of recurrent CDIs has been increasing and drug resistance is a major concern. This aspect is a growing concern in modern medicine especially in the elderly population, critical care patients, and immunocompromised individuals who are at high risk of developing CDIs. Clostridium difficile can lead to various complications including septic shock and fulminant colitis that could prove to be lethal in these patients. Newer modalities of treatment have been developed including bezlotoxumab, a monoclonal antibody and fecal microbiota transplant. There have been studies showing asymptomatic carriers and drug resistance posing a major threat to the healthcare system. Newer treatment options are being studied to treat and prevent CDIs. This review will provide an insight into the current treatment modalities, prevention and newer modalities of treatment and challenges faced in the treatment of CDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh K Nagesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Hadrian Hoang-Vu Tran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Daniel Elias
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Izage Kianifar Aguilar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Tanni Sethi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Aiswarya Menon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Charlene Mansour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Florchi Furman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Kylie Tsotsos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Talia Subar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Auda Auda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Aman Sidiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Jevon Lamar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Nikita Wadhwani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Shraboni Dey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Abraham Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Adam Atoot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Simcha Weissman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
| | - Humberto Sifuentes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Ayrton I Bangolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States
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Bogiel T, Dura A, Woźniak M, Mikucka A, Kanarek P. Usefulness of Capillary Gel Electrophoresis-Based PCR for Detection of Clostridioides difficile Strains with Hypervirulent Ribotypes. Gels 2024; 10:343. [PMID: 38786259 PMCID: PMC11121280 DOI: 10.3390/gels10050343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a complex of anaerobic bacteria responsible for the epidemics of post-antibiotic diarrhea as one of the examples of CDI (Clostridioides difficile infection). As many as 70% of cases concern hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units. Ribotyping is one of the most common methods for differentiating bacterial strains. The purpose of this work was to show the effectiveness of the gel electrophoresis-based PCR ribotyping method and the Webribo database for typing C. difficile isolates, including the hypervirulent 027 ribotype. DNA samples extracted from 69 C. difficile strains with previously marked genotypes were included in this study. PCR was performed using 16S-23S primers, and capillary gel electrophoresis was performed on the Applied Biosystem 3130xl Genetic Analyzer. The Webribo database was applied for ribotype assignment. Out of 69 samples, 48 belonged to already known ribotypes, 13 represented new ribotypes and 8 was indicated as similar to the existing ones, having some differences. Capillary gel electrophoresis-based PCR is an effective method for the differentiation of C. difficile ribotypes and can be recognized as a very useful tool in epidemiological studies, while the Webribo database is a useful and an accessible database for a quick analysis of C. difficile ribotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bogiel
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alicja Dura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Marcin Woźniak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Agnieszka Mikucka
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Piotr Kanarek
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 85-029 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Serrano M, Martins D, Henriques AO. Clostridioides difficile Sporulation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1435:273-314. [PMID: 38175480 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42108-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Some members of the Firmicutes phylum, including many members of the human gut microbiota, are able to differentiate a dormant and highly resistant cell type, the endospore (hereinafter spore for simplicity). Spore-formers can colonize virtually any habitat and, because of their resistance to a wide variety of physical and chemical insults, spores can remain viable in the environment for long periods of time. In the anaerobic enteric pathogen Clostridioides difficile the aetiologic agent is the oxygen-resistant spore, while the toxins produced by actively growing cells are the main cause of the disease symptoms. Here, we review the regulatory circuits that govern entry into sporulation. We also cover the role of spores in the infectious cycle of C. difficile in relation to spore structure and function and the main control points along spore morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Serrano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Diogo Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adriano O Henriques
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Oeiras, Portugal
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Anwar F, Clark M, Lindsey J, Claus-Walker R, Mansoor A, Nguyen E, Billy J, Lainhart W, Shehab K, Viswanathan VK, Vedantam G. Prevalence of diagnostically-discrepant Clostridioides difficile clinical specimens: insights from longitudinal surveillance. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1238159. [PMID: 37928470 PMCID: PMC10622765 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1238159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) is a healthcare-associated diarrheal disease prevalent worldwide. A common diagnostic algorithm relies on a two-step protocol that employs stool enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) to detect the pathogen, and its toxins, respectively. Active CDI is deemed less likely when the Toxin EIA result is negative, even if the pathogen-specific EIA is positive for C. difficile. We recently reported, however, that low-toxin-producing C. difficile strains recovered from Toxin-negative ('discrepant') clinical stool specimens can be fully pathogenic, and cause lethality in a rodent CDI model. To document frequency of discrepant CDI specimens, and evaluate C. difficile strain diversity, we performed longitudinal surveillance at a Southern Arizona tertiary-care hospital. Methods Diarrheic stool specimens from patients with clinical suspicion of CDI were obtained over an eight-year period (2015-2022) from all inpatient and outpatient Units of a > 600-bed Medical Center in Southern Arizona. Clinical laboratory EIA testing identified C. difficile-containing specimens, and classified them as Toxin-positive or Toxin-negative. C. difficile isolates recovered from the stool specimens were DNA fingerprinted using an international phylogenetic lineage assignment system ("ribotyping"). For select isolates, toxin abundance in stationary phase supernatants of pure cultures was quantified via EIA. Results Of 8,910 diarrheic specimens that underwent diagnostic testing, 1733 (19.4%) harbored C. difficile. Our major findings were that: (1) C. difficile prevalence and phylogenetic diversity was stable over the 8-year period; (2) toxigenic C. difficile was recovered from 69% of clinically Tox-neg ('discrepant') specimens; (3) the six most prevalent USA ribotypes were recovered in significant proportions (>60%) from Tox-neg specimens; and (4) toxin-producing C. difficile recovered from discrepant specimens produced less toxin than strains of the same ribotype isolated from non-discrepant specimens. Conclusion Our study highlights the dominance of Toxin EIA-negative CDI specimens in a clinical setting and the high frequency of known virulent ribotypes in these specimens. Therefore, a careful reevaluation of the clinical relevance of diagnostically-discrepant specimens particularly in the context of missed CDI diagnoses and C. difficile persistence, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Anwar
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Marielle Clark
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jason Lindsey
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rachel Claus-Walker
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Asad Mansoor
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Evy Nguyen
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Justin Billy
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - William Lainhart
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Microbiology Laboratories, Banner University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kareem Shehab
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - V. K. Viswanathan
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Bio5 Institute for Collaborative Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Gayatri Vedantam
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Bio5 Institute for Collaborative Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Abad-Fau A, Sevilla E, Martín-Burriel I, Moreno B, Bolea R. Update on Commonly Used Molecular Typing Methods for Clostridioides difficile. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1752. [PMID: 37512924 PMCID: PMC10384772 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant Clostridioides difficile molecular typing techniques currently employed in research and medical communities. The main objectives of this review are to describe the key molecular typing methods utilized in C. difficile studies and to highlight the epidemiological characteristics of the most prevalent strains on a global scale. Geographically distinct regions exhibit distinct strain types of C. difficile, with notable concordance observed among various typing methodologies. The advantages that next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers has changed epidemiology research, enabling high-resolution genomic analyses of this pathogen. NGS platforms offer an unprecedented opportunity to explore the genetic intricacies and evolutionary trajectories of C. difficile strains. It is relevant to acknowledge that novel routes of transmission are continually being unveiled and warrant further investigation, particularly in the context of zoonotic implications and environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Abad-Fau
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragon-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eloísa Sevilla
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragon-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Martín-Burriel
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragon-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Bernardino Moreno
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragon-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragon-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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McFarland LV, Goldstein EJC, Kullar R. Microbiome-Related and Infection Control Approaches to Primary and Secondary Prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1534. [PMID: 37375036 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) have decreased in the past years, but since 2021, some hospitals have reported an increase in CDI rates. CDI remains a global concern and has been identified as an urgent threat to healthcare. Although multiple treatment options are available, prevention strategies are more limited. As CDI is an opportunistic infection that arises after the normally protective microbiome has been disrupted, preventive measures aimed at restoring the microbiome have been tested. Our aim is to update the present knowledge on these various preventive strategies published in the past five years (2018-2023) to guide clinicians and healthcare systems on how to best prevent CDI. A literature search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov) for phase 2-3 clinical trials for the primary or secondary prevention of CDI and microbiome and probiotics. As the main factor for Clostridium difficile infections is the disruption of the normally protective intestinal microbiome, strategies aimed at restoring the microbiome seem most rational. Some strains of probiotics, the use of fecal microbial therapy, and live biotherapeutic products offer promise to fill this niche; although, more large randomized controlled trials are needed that document the shifts in the microbiome population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ravina Kullar
- Expert Stewardship Inc., Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA
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Roggiani S, Mengoli M, Conti G, Fabbrini M, Brigidi P, Barone M, D'Amico F, Turroni S. Gut microbiota resilience and recovery after anticancer chemotherapy. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2023; 2:16. [PMID: 38046820 PMCID: PMC10688789 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2022.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although research on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in human health has sharply increased in recent years, what a "healthy" gut microbiota is and how it responds to major stressors is still difficult to establish. In particular, anticancer chemotherapy is known to have a drastic impact on the microbiota structure, potentially hampering its recovery with serious long-term consequences for patients' health. However, the distinguishing features of gut microbiota recovery and non-recovery processes are not yet known. In this narrative review, we first investigated how gut microbiota layouts are affected by anticancer chemotherapy and identified potential gut microbial recovery signatures. Then, we discussed microbiome-based intervention strategies aimed at promoting resilience, i.e., the rapid and complete recovery of a healthy gut microbial network associated with a better prognosis after such high-impact pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Roggiani
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Mengoli
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Gabriele Conti
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Marco Fabbrini
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Monica Barone
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Federica D'Amico
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
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Markovska R, Dimitrov G, Gergova R, Boyanova L. Clostridioides difficile, a New “Superbug”. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040845. [PMID: 37110267 PMCID: PMC10140992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium. The clinical features of C. difficile infections (CDIs) can vary, ranging from the asymptomatic carriage and mild self-limiting diarrhoea to severe and sometimes fatal pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile infections (CDIs) are associated with disruption of the gut microbiota caused by antimicrobial agents. The infections are predominantly hospital-acquired, but in the last decades, the CDI patterns have changed. Their prevalence increased, and the proportion of community-acquired CDIs has also increased. This can be associated with the appearance of hypervirulent epidemic isolates of ribotype 027. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated antibiotic overuse could additionally change the patterns of infections. Treatment of CDIs is a challenge, with only three appropriate antibiotics for use. The wide distribution of C. difficile spores in hospital environments, chronic persistence in some individuals, especially children, and the recent detection of C. difficile in domestic pets can furthermore worsen the situation. “Superbugs” are microorganisms that are both highly virulent and resistant to antibiotics. The aim of this review article is to characterise C. difficile as a new member of the “superbug” family. Due to its worldwide spread, the lack of many treatment options and the high rates of both recurrence and mortality, C. difficile has emerged as a major concern for the healthcare system.
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