Identification of novel p-cresol inhibitors that reduce Clostridioides difficile's ability to compete with species of the gut microbiome.

ABSTRACT: Treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is expensive and complex, with a high proportion of patients suffering infection relapse (20-35%), and some having multiple relapses. A healthy, unperturbed gut microbiome provides colonisation resistance against CDI through competition for nutrients and space. However, antibiotic consumption can disturb the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) resulting in the loss of colonisation resistance allowing C. difficile to colonise and establish infection. A unique feature of C. difficile is the production of high concentrations of the antimicrobial compound para-cresol, which provides the bacterium with a competitive advantage over other bacteria found in the gut. p-cresol is produced by the conversion of para-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid (p-HPA) by the H

SUBMITTER: Harrison MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10258198 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature