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Clostridium difficile

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Clostridioides difficile (previously known as Clostridium difficile) is a species of the genus Clostridia. Some pathogenic forms are associated with the development of pseudomembranous colitis, usually after antibiotic therapy.

  • in the UK, since January 2021 there has been an increase in Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) for which there is no clear explanation
    • the UKHSA is investigating a newly evolving ribotype (955) which has emerged in England over the last 2 years (total 50 cases)
      • this ribotype may present with severe disease or as a recurrence and has caused significant mortality
      • microbiological sensitivity testing has identified that the ribotype 955 isolates are RESISTANT to treatment metronidazole and therefore the use of this agent will be ineffective for treating CDI

Reference:

  • UK Health Security Agency (18/1/24). Emergence of new Clostridioides difficile ribotype – 955 - update

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