Ribotypes and New Virulent Strains Across Europe. [Review]

Couturier, J.; Davies, K.; Barbut, F.

Ribotypes and New Virulent Strains Across Europe. [Review]

All Authors

Couturier, J.

Davies, K.

Barbut, F.

LTHT Author

Davies, Kerrie

LTHT Department

Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group
Pathology
Microbiology

Non Medic

Clinical Scientist

Publication Date

2024

Item Type

Review
Journal Article

Abstract

Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile is a major bacterial cause of post-antibiotic diarrhoea. The epidemiology of C. difficile infections (CDIs) has dramatically changed since the early 2000s, with an increasing incidence and severity across Europe. This trend is partly due to the emergence and rapid worldwide spread of the hypervirulent and epidemic PCR ribotype 027. Profiles of patients with CDI have also evolved, with description of community-acquired (CA) infections in patients with no traditional risk factors for CDI. However, epidemiological studies indicated that some European countries have successfully controlled the dissemination of the 027 clone whereas other countries reported the emergence of other virulent or unusual strains. The aims of this review are to summarize the current European CDI epidemiology and to describe the new virulent C. difficile strains circulating in Europe, as well as other potential emerging strains described elsewhere. Standardized typing methods and surveillance programmes are mandatory for a better understanding and monitoring of CDI in Europe.