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Researchers are developing the first successful vaccine against the Clostridioides difficile bacteria, using the technology behind the mRNA vaccines developed against COVID-19.
About |
C. difficile is a bacteria which causes inflammation of the colon or colitis and it is also a cause for severe diarrhoea. |
Transmission |
It spreads primarily in healthcare institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. It mostly affects the individuals who are taking antibiotics as it disrupts normal gut flora. Note: Gut flora are microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, which live in the digestive tracts of animals. Bacteria form the largest 99% of gut bacteria in humans. |
Infection Risk |
It commonly occurs among older adults or those with weakened immune systems. Around one-third of infected individuals experience infections in a recurrent manner. |
Symptoms |
- Watery diarrhoea - Abdominal pain and cramping - Fever - Nausea - Severe cases may lead to colonic perforation and death. |
Diagnosis |
It is diagnosed by stool tests. A colonoscopy is also performed in severe cases to assess colon damage. |
Treatment |
Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatments include metronidazole, vancomycin, and fidaxomicin. However, antibiotics may also kill beneficial gut bacteria. Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT): It is the process of transplantation of healthy stool to restore gut flora. |
Vaccine Development |
There is no vaccine for this at the moment. Several vaccines are in developmental phases and previous attempts have largely failed. |
Preventive Measures |
Water hygiene and sanitation(WASH) in healthcare institutions are crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria. Judicious use of antibiotics can minimize disruption of gut flora. |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about the “Clostridioides Difficile” recently seen in the news:
Which of the above statements are incorrect? A)1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C)1, 2 and 3 only D)None Ans: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: C. difficile is a bacteria which causes inflammation of the colon or colitis and it is also cause for severe diarrhea. Statement 2 is correct: It spreads primarily in healthcare institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. It mostly affects the individuals who are taking antibiotics as it disrupts normal gut flora. Note: Gut flora are the microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, which live in the digestive tracts of animals. Bacteria form the largest 99% of gut bacteria in humans. It commonly occurs among older adults or those with weakened immune systems. Around one-third of infected individuals experience infections in recurrent manner. Statement 3 is incorrect: There is no vaccine for this at the moment. Several vaccines are in developmental phases and previous attempts have largely failed. Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatments include metronidazole, vancomycin, and fidaxomicin. However, antibiotics may also kill beneficial gut bacteria. Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT): It is the process of transplantation of healthy stool to restore gut flora. |
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