Clostridium difficile recurrent infection: possible implication of TA systems. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gil, Fernando; Pizarro-Guajardo, Marjorie; Álvarez, Ricardo; Garavaglia, Marco; Paredes-Sabja, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Future microbiology. Volume 10:Number 10(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1649
• Page End: 1657
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Clostridium difficile -- persistence -- relapsing infection -- TA system; Microbiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.94
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0913

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is an important nosocomial pathogen associated with antibiotic treatments. C . difficile 's ability to survive antimicrobial therapy and transition from inert colonization to active infection is one of the most perplexing aspects of C. difficile infections and suggests that additional mechanisms are involved in persistence. In this regard, novel mechanisms linked with pathogenesis and persistence of C . difficile such as toxin–antitoxin systems might significantly contribute to biofilm formation and persistent infection. This review will focus on advances of toxin–antitoxin systems in C. difficile and their putative roles will be discussed.