Clostridioides (previously Clostridium) difficile

Robin McKenzie, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

MICROBIOLOGY

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Spore-forming, anaerobic, Gram-positive rod.
  • Produces toxins A and B, which bind to specific receptors in colon. Toxins attack Rho proteins, disrupting actin formation and causing cell death.
  • Studies show that toxin B, not toxin A, is essential for virulence.
  • Spores contaminate hands and hospital environment. Alcohol and other antiseptic hand rubs may be ineffective in killing spores. Hand-washing physically removes spores.
  • A hypervirulent strain (NAP1/B1/027) produces higher levels of toxins A and B and is associated with fluoroquinolone resistance, more severe disease, and higher mortality.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

© 2000–2025 Unbound Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved
All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for AI model training or other unauthorized purposes.