Fabian Lorenzo-Diaz, Tilman E Klassert, Cristina Zubiria-Barrera, Amelya Keles-Slevogt, Mario Gonzalez-Carracedo, Mariano Hernandez, Hortense Slevogt, Thomas Grünewald
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Clostridioides difficile is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the genomic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and temporal dynamics of C. difficile strains isolated from hospitalized patients in a German tertiary hospital over nearly two decades (1997-2015).
Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 46 toxigenic C. difficile isolates to determine sequence types (STs) and phylogenetic relationships and these were compared to national surveillance data on C. dificile. AMR profiling was conducted to identify key resistance determinants at genetic level while epsilometer minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analyses were used to correlate genetic resistance markers with phenotypic resistance. Longitudinal antibiotic usage data were analysed to assess potential associations with resistance profiles and strains evolution.
Results: Five predominant STs were identified: ST1 (30%), ST54 (24%), ST3 (22%), ST11 (11%), and ST37 (4%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that ST1 (ribotype 027) emerged as the dominant and persistent lineage, replacing ST11 and ST54 over time. AMR profiling detected several resistance genetic markers such as CDD-1/CDD-2 (carbapenem resistance), ErmB (macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance/MLS resistance), and mutations in gyrA (fluoroquinolone resistance) and rpoB (rifampicin resistance). MIC analyses confirmed high resistance rates to moxifloxacin (87%) and rifampicin (59%), while susceptibility to fidaxomicin, metronidazole, and vancomycin remained. The tetM gene, associated with doxycycline resistance, declined as ST11 and ST54 frequencies decreased. Longitudinal analysis revealed a reduction in moxifloxacin resistance following its decreased use, whereas increased doxycycline use paradoxically correlated with reduced resistance.
Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic strain evolution of C. difficile, reflecting national trends in strain evolution. The findings emphasize the strong correlation between epsilometer MIC values and molecular resistance markers. This observation reinforces the integration of genetic surveillance with antibiotic stewardship in the clinical routine to effectively mitigate CDI recurrence. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between antibiotic exposure and strain evolution in hospital environments.
期刊介绍：
Infection is a journal dedicated to serving as a global forum for the presentation and discussion of clinically relevant information on infectious diseases. Its primary goal is to engage readers and contributors from various regions around the world in the exchange of knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, both in outpatient and inpatient settings.
The journal covers a wide range of topics, including:
Etiology: The study of the causes of infectious diseases.
Pathogenesis: The process by which an infectious agent causes disease.
Diagnosis: The methods and techniques used to identify infectious diseases.
Treatment: The medical interventions and strategies employed to treat infectious diseases.
Public Health: Issues of local, regional, or international significance related to infectious diseases, including prevention, control, and management strategies.
Hospital Epidemiology: The study of the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings and the measures to prevent nosocomial infections.
In addition to these, Infection also includes a specialized "Images" section, which focuses on high-quality visual content, such as images, photographs, and microscopic slides, accompanied by brief abstracts. This section is designed to highlight the clinical and diagnostic value of visual aids in the field of infectious diseases, as many conditions present with characteristic clinical signs that can be diagnosed through inspection, and imaging and microscopy are crucial for accurate diagnosis. The journal's comprehensive approach ensures that it remains a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of infectious diseases.
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