Current Approaches to Treat and Prevent Recurrence of Clostridioides difficile

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and recurrent CDI (rCDI) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. The microbiome plays a significant role in the body's defense against CDI and rCDI. Antibiotics can cause significant injury to the microbiome which leads to an increased risk of CDI and rCDI. Ongoing perturbations of the microbiome perpetuate this risk. Antibiotic treatments for CDI can kill C difficile but also can impact the microbiome. Microbiome therapeutics are effective in restoring the function of the gut microbiota and re-establishing colonization resistance. The field of microbiome therapeutics is evolving with newer, more refined, modalities in development.

Keywords: C difficile; Microbiome; Microbiome therapeutics; Recurrence.