Clindamycin-Resistant Clone of Clostridium difficile PCR Ribotype 027, Europe
2008

Clindamycin-Resistant C. difficile Clone of PCR Ribotype 027 in Europe

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Drudy Denise, Goorhuis Bram, Bakker Dennis, Kyne Lorraine, van den Berg Renate, Fenelon Lynda, Fanning Seamus, Kuijper Edward J.

Primary Institution: University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Hypothesis

Is clindamycin resistance in C. difficile PCR ribotype 027 emerging in Europe?

Conclusion

Clindamycin-resistant C. difficile PCR 027 strains have been identified in multiple healthcare settings in Ireland, indicating a worrying development in the spread of this pathogen.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 100 Irish C. difficile 027 isolates were characterized.
  • Clindamycin-resistant isolates were identified in 5 healthcare institutions.
  • All clindamycin-resistant PCR 027 isolates were positive for the ermB gene.

Takeaway

Some germs that make people sick are becoming resistant to medicine. This study found that a specific germ called C. difficile is not responding to a medicine called clindamycin in some places in Ireland.

Methodology

The study characterized C. difficile isolates using antibiogram profiles, toxinotyping, and MLVA.

Limitations

The study may not represent all healthcare settings in Europe, and the resistance mechanisms were not fully explored.

Participant Demographics

Isolates were collected from multiple healthcare settings in Ireland.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1409.071346

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