Clostridioides

Clostridioides is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria in the family Peptostreptococcaceae. It includes the species Clostridioides difficile, which can cause an infection known as C. difficile infection, often after antibiotic use.

Taxonomy

The genus Clostridioides was created in 2016 to accommodate the species Clostridium difficile and Clostridium mangenotii, which were found to be phylogenetically distinct from the other species in the genus Clostridium. The name Clostridioides was chosen to reflect the close relationship between these species and the other members of the Clostridium cluster I.

Pathogenesis

Clostridioides difficile is the most well-known and studied species in this genus. It is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can also cause pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infection of the colon. C. difficile infection is usually acquired in healthcare settings, especially hospitals and long-term care facilities, where a high number of patients are taking antibiotics.

Treatment

Treatment for C. difficile infection typically involves stopping the antibiotics that caused the infection, if possible, and starting antibiotics that are effective against C. difficile. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected part of the colon.

See also

• Clostridium
• Peptostreptococcaceae
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Pseudomembranous colitis

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