Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a major cause of intestinal infection and diarrhoea in individuals following antibiotic treatment. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms that induce spore formation and germination and have determined the roles of C. difficile toxins in disease pathogenesis. Exciting progress has also been made in defining the role of the microbiome, specific commensal bacterial species and host immunity in defence against infection with C. difficile. This Review will summarize the recent discoveries and developments in our understanding of C. difficile infection and pathogenesis.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Bacterial Toxins / metabolism
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Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
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Clostridioides difficile / genetics
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Clostridioides difficile / growth & development
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Clostridioides difficile / pathogenicity*
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Clostridioides difficile / physiology
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Colitis / immunology
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Colitis / microbiology*
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Colitis / physiopathology
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Colitis / therapy
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / immunology
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology*
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / physiopathology
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / therapy
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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
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Host-Pathogen Interactions*
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Humans
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Microbiota / physiology*
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Spores, Bacterial / chemistry
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Spores, Bacterial / genetics
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Spores, Bacterial / physiology
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Virulence Factors / genetics
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Bacterial Toxins
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Bile Acids and Salts
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Virulence Factors