About this Research Topic
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), an anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, is recognized as a major cause of gastrointestinal diseases affecting both animals and humans and can spread readily in healthcare settings. The incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) worldwide remains high around the world. Previous studies have suggested that CDIs were acquired from diverse sources, including symptomatic infected hospital inpatients. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with the highest discriminatory power for bacterial genomes analysis was widely used in the surveillance of CDI, providing insights into transmission dynamics and infection control. In addition, restrictions on antimicrobial agents prescribing, such as fluoroquinolones, should be a cornerstone in the control of epidemic CDI. Toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) are considered as the major virulent factors in the pathogenesis of CDI. Other factors, such as binary toxin (CDT), sporulation, and biofilm are considered to contribute to disease progression as well. However, more virulent factors remain to be discovered. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of genomic characteristics and transmission patterns of C. difficile.
For this Research Topic, we would like to focus on the surveillance of CDI using WGS. We aim to elucidate the transmission pattern of C. difficile among hospitals, the food chains, and the environment, as well as the role of antimicrobial agents, the host immune system, and the host microbiota and its associated metabolites in the life cycle and the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection. We also welcome studies about novel diagnosis and treatment methods of CDI.
Specifically, we are interested in the following areas of research:
• C. difficile infection surveillance in hospitals, communities, and the environment
• Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) characterization of C. difficile strains
• Identification and characterization of new or special sequence types of C. difficile strains
• Newly discovered C. difficile toxins and pathogenicity
• Novel diagnosis and treatment methods for C. difficile infection
For this Research Topic, we would like to focus on the surveillance of CDI using WGS. We aim to elucidate the transmission pattern of C. difficile among hospitals, the food chains, and the environment, as well as the role of antimicrobial agents, the host immune system, and the host microbiota and its associated metabolites in the life cycle and the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection. We also welcome studies about novel diagnosis and treatment methods of CDI.
Specifically, we are interested in the following areas of research:
• C. difficile infection surveillance in hospitals, communities, and the environment
• Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) characterization of C. difficile strains
• Identification and characterization of new or special sequence types of C. difficile strains
• Newly discovered C. difficile toxins and pathogenicity
• Novel diagnosis and treatment methods for C. difficile infection
Keywords: Clostridioides difficile, genes, clinic, whole genomic sequence
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