Update on antimicrobial resistance in Clostridium difficile

Yi Chuan. 2015 May;37(5):458-64. doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.15-131.

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. Since 2002, the morbidity and mortality rates of C. difficile infection have increased dramatically in Europe and North America. The emergence of C. difficile strains that are resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents can complicate prevention programs and potential treatment. Although most clinical isolates are still susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin, heteroresistance to metronidazole and increasing vancomycin MICs (minimum inhibitory concentrations) have been reported. The prevalence of resistance to other antimicrobial agents, including erythromycin and moxifloxacin, is highly variable in different countries and regions. The exact mechanism of reduced susceptibility to metronidazole or vancomycin is still not clear. The principal mechanism of erythromycin, fluoroquinolones and rifamycins resistance in C. difficile is determined by target alterations. This review will focus primarily on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and resistance mechanisms of C. difficile in order to provide an up-to-date review on the topic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Clostridioides difficile / drug effects*
  • Clostridioides difficile / genetics
  • Clostridioides difficile / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents