Biofilm-derived spores of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile exhibit increased thermotolerance compared to planktonic spores. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pickering, D.S.; Wilcox, M.H.; Chilton, C.H.
• Is Part Of: Anaerobe. Volume 54(2018)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: C. difficile -- Heat treatment -- Spores -- Biofilm -- Germinants; Anaerobic infections -- Periodicals; Anaerobic bacteria -- Periodicals; Bacterial diseases -- Periodicals; Computer network resources; Anaerobic protozoa -- Periodicals; 579.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-9964

Abstract

Abstract: Biofilm-derived spores of strains of four ribotypes (001, 020, 027 & 078) of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile were found to exhibit increased thermotolerance compared to spores produced in planktonic culture. In addition, 'thick' and 'thin' exosporium morphotypes described previously were visualised by electron microscopy in both biofilm and planktonic spores. Highlights: C. difficile spores produced in biofilms are more thermotolerant than spores produced in planktonic culture. Transmission electron microscopy validates the previously reported existence of two exosporium morphotypes. Detached exosporium is present despite purification using density gradient centrifugation.