Evaluation of the predictive capability of an in-vitro model of colonisation resistance to Clostridium difficile infection

Abstract

Caecal emulsions prepared from hamsters pre-treated with clindamycin or ampicillin supported growth of, and cyto-toxin production by, Clostridium difficile, whereas those from aztreonam or temocillin pre-treated or untreated hamsters did not. These findings were predictive of outcome of infection with C. difficile as clindamycin and ampicillin pre-treated animals became colonized and died whereas the other animals did not.

Key Words:

• Colonisation resistance
• C. difficile
• Antibiotic-associated colitis