title: Microbial and metabolic interactions between the gastrointestinal tract and Clostridium difficile infection.
abstract: Antibiotics disturb the gastrointestinal tract microbiota and in turn reduce colonization resistance against Clostridium difficile. The mechanism for this loss of colonization resistance is still unknown but likely reflects structural (microbial) and functional (metabolic) changes to the gastrointestinal tract. Members of the gut microbial community shape intestinal metabolism that provides nutrients and ultimately supports host immunity. This review will discuss how antibiotics alter the structure of the gut microbiota and how this impacts bacterial metabolism in the gut. It will also explore the chemical requirements for C. difficile germination, growth, toxin production and sporulation. Many of the metabolites that influence C. difficile physiology are products of gut microbial metabolism including bile acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. To restore colonization resistance against C. difficile after antibiotics a targeted approach restoring both the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract is needed.
authors: University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI USA.
authors: Casey M
authors: CM
authors: Theriot
authors: University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI USA.
authors: Vincent B
authors: VB
authors: Young
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D064307:Microbiota / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Clostridium difficile; antibiotics; colonization resistance; gut metabolome; gut microbiota