The role of trehalose in the global spread of epidemic Clostridium difficile

Gut Microbes. 2019;10(2):204-209. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2018.1491266. Epub 2018 Aug 17.

Abstract

In a recent study, we reported on two distantly related, epidemic lineages of Clostridium difficile that have acquired independent mechanisms to metabolize low concentrations of trehalose. Here we provide further comment and evidence that a third epidemic lineage common in Asia and Europe, ribotype 017, has evolved this ability.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile; RT017; enteric pathogen; ribotype 017; trehalose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Clostridioides difficile / genetics
  • Clostridioides difficile / growth & development
  • Clostridioides difficile / metabolism*
  • Clostridium Infections / epidemiology*
  • Clostridium Infections / microbiology*
  • Dietary Sugars / metabolism*
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Ribotyping
  • Trehalose / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dietary Sugars
  • Trehalose