Characterization of Clostridioides difficile Infections in Zagreb Hospital
Author Information
Author(s): Siroglavic Marko, Higgins Paul G., Kanizaj Lucija, Ferencak Ivana, Juric Dragan, Augustin Goran, Budimir Ana, Marangi Marianna
Primary Institution: University Hospital Centre Zagreb
Hypothesis
This study aimed to use whole-genome sequencing to characterize C. difficile strains isolated from patients hospitalized at University Hospital Centre Zagreb.
Conclusion
Whole-genome sequencing effectively identified clusters of C. difficile isolates and potential transmission routes within the hospital.
Supporting Evidence
- 97.1% of isolates were identified as toxigenic C. difficile.
- Most isolates belonged to two predominant sequence types, ST3 and ST1.
- 30 instances of possible intra-hospital transmission were identified, mostly in the COVID-19 ward.
Takeaway
The study looked at how a germ called C. difficile spreads in a hospital and found that it can move between patients, especially in COVID-19 wards.
Methodology
Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 103 C. difficile isolates collected from patients, with demographic and clinical data analyzed retrospectively.
Limitations
The study was limited to one year and did not include asymptomatic carriers, which may have affected the understanding of transmission routes.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 0 to 93 years, with a median age of 73; the gender distribution was nearly equal.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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