| Description | Clostridioides difficile, also known as C. difficile, is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 25-40°C, categorizing it as belonging to the temperate group. As a heterotroph, C. difficile obtains its energy by breaking down organic matter, specifically sugars and amino acids, in the absence of oxygen. This anaerobic metabolism allows it to produce energy through fermentation, resulting in the production of acetate and butyrate. C. difficile stains positive on gram stains, indicating its thick peptidoglycan layer. The bacterium is typically found in a rod-shaped, or bacillus, morphology. It can inhabit all body sites, including the gut, skin, and respiratory tract, across all species. However, it is most commonly associated with colonic infections in human beings. As an obligate anaerobe, C. difficile requires a low-oxygen environment to survive, which makes it well-suited for the gut, where oxygen levels are relatively low. In this anaerobic setting, C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and colitis. In the clinical setting, C. difficile infection (CDI) is a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults and those with compromised immune systems. CDI can lead to severe complications, including pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, and even death. Treatment for CDI typically involves antibiotics, often in combination with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves infusing a mixture of healthy gut bacteria into the patient's colon. |
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