The recent emergence of a highly related virulent Clostridium difficile clade with unique characteristics.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Clostridium difficile is a major global human pathogen divided into five clades, of which clade 3 is the least characterized and consists predominantly of PCR ribotype (RT) 023 strains. Our aim was to analyse and characterize this clade.

Methods

In this cohort study the clinical presentation of C. difficile RT023 infections was analysed in comparison with known 'hypervirulent' and non-hypervirulent strains, using data from the Netherlands national C. difficile surveillance programme. European RT023 strains of diverse origin were collected and whole-genome sequenced to determine the genetic similarity between isolates. Distinctive features were investigated and characterized.

Results

Clinical presentation of C. difficile RT023 infections show severe infectio

SUBMITTER: Shaw HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7167513 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature