Physical and chemical factors influencing the germination of Clostridium difficile spores

L.J. Wheeldon, Tony Worthington, Anthony Hilton, Tom S.J. Elliott, Peter A. Lambert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

AIMS: To investigate the influence of chemical and physical factors on the rate and extent of germination of Clostridium difficile spores. METHODS AND RESULTS: Germination of C. difficile spores following exposure to chemical and physical germinants was measured by loss of either heat or ethanol resistance. Sodium taurocholate and chenodeoxycholate initiated germination together with thioglycollate medium at concentrations of 0.1-100 mmol l(-1) and 10-100 mmol l(-1) respectively. Glycine (0.2% w/v) was a co-factor required for germination with sodium taurocholate. There was no significant difference in the rate of germination of C. difficile spores in aerobic and anaerobic conditions (P > 0.05) however, the initial rate of germination was significantly increased at 37 degrees C compared to 20 degrees C (P < 0.05). The optimum pH range for germination was 6.5-7.5, with a decreased rate and extent of germination occurring at pH 5.5 and 8.5. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that sodium taurocholate and chenodeoxycholate initiate germination of C. difficile spores and is concentration dependant. Temperature and pH influence the rate and extent of germination. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This manuscript enhances the knowledge of the factors influencing the germination of C. difficile spores. This may be applied to the development of potential novel strategies for the prevention of C. difficile infection.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2223-2230
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology
Volume105
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • chemical
  • Clostridium difficile
  • germination
  • physical
  • sodium taurocholate
  • spores

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