Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. This anaerobic spore-forming bacterium thrives in the intestines and can cause severe symptoms, ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile produces toxins that damage the lining of the colon and disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiota. Antibiotic use, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, is a significant risk factor for CDI as it can disturb the natural gut flora and provide an opportunity for C. difficile to overgrow. Preventing the transmission of C. difficile involves stringent infection control measures, such as proper hand hygiene and effective environmental cleaning. Accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment with specific antibiotics, and supportive care are crucial for managing CDI cases. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of C. difficile infection, developing more sensitive diagnostic tools, and exploring innovative treatment options to combat this challenging healthcare-associated pathogen.

Scientists and researchers are continuously studying this bacterium's structural features and mode of action to identify potential therapy targets. Treatment options, such as antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and monoclonal antibodies, are being explored and optimized for better clinical outcomes. With the increasing prevalence of C. difficile infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, it is crucial to have a range of safe and effective treatment options available to combat this pathogen. Through this research topic, we aim to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of C. difficile and its importance in designing better drugs and treatment modalities and preventing antibiotic resistance.

The current Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific findings on C. difficile in the following areas:

Epidemiology with regard to antibiotic resistance

Resistance mechanisms developed by the species

Prevention strategies to stem the infection

Novel treatment strategies against the infection

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Frontiers in Antibiotics

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