Toxinotype V Clostridium difficile in Humans and Food Animals
Author Information
Author(s): Jhung Michael A., Thompson Angela D., Killgore George E., Zukowski Walter E., Songer Glenn, Warny Michael, Johnson Stuart, Gerding Dale N., McDonald L. Clifford, Limbago Brandi M.
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is toxinotype V Clostridium difficile increasing in incidence and severity in humans and food animals?
Conclusion
Toxinotype V Clostridium difficile is an uncommon cause of human disease but may be increasing in incidence, particularly in community-associated cases.
Supporting Evidence
- 8 of 620 patient isolates were identified as toxinotype V from 2001 to 2006.
- 6 of 13 case-patients had community-associated CDAD.
- All isolates contained a 39-bp tcdC deletion and most produced binary toxin.
- Statistically significant increase in the proportion of toxinotype V isolates from past to recent cases.
Takeaway
This study found that a type of bacteria called toxinotype V can make people sick, and it might be spreading more from animals to humans.
Methodology
The study reviewed human and animal isolates of C. difficile, comparing genetic relationships and toxin production.
Potential Biases
Recent isolates were collected from outbreak settings, which may not reflect the general population.
Limitations
The number of toxinotype V isolates examined was small and may not be representative; clinical information may overestimate disease severity.
Participant Demographics
Median age of recent human cases was 71 years, with 50% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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