In-Vitro Activity of Nisin Against Clinical Isolates of Clostridium difficile

Abstract

Nisin is a cationic peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis. Its activity against clinical isolates of Clostridium difficile was compared to that of vancomycin and metronidazole by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill studies. Nisin was more active than the other agents, with a MIC₉₀ of 0.256 mg/L and strong bactericidal activity. Nisin may be a promising agent for the management of C. difficile associated diarrhea.

Keywords:

• Nisin
• Clostridium difficile
• peptide antibiotics
• hospital-acquired diarrhea