Characterization of the Clostridium Difficile Biofilm

摘要: Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, spore forming bacterium and an opportunistic gastrointestinal pathogen. infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection. Upon antibiotic treatment, patients can be colonized with C. from ingestion of spores. After colonization, cells produce toxins creating symptoms diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis, many patients develop recurrent infections. Interactions between host epithelium the bacteria is a critical step in infection, yet interaction not well understood. It known how evades immune responses. These are important mechanisms to answer advancing CDI treatment. A biofilm could contribute CDI by facilitating attachment epithelium; resisting defenses and antimicrobials; accumulating toxin; harboring spores for recurrence. This thesis aims characterize difficile biofilm determining structure, identifying matrix components, role extracellular DNA biofilm structure, quantifying toxin the matrix.