Rise in C difficile infections 'due to genetic changes'
Tuesday 29th September 2009
The increases in C difficile infections among patients in UK hospitals over recent years is a result of genetic changes as opposed to a lack of hygiene, it has been suggested.
A study conducted by UK scientists found that the bacteria has become more virulent.
Led by Professor Brendan Wren, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the team compared a historic strain of C difficile with one found at Stoke Mandeville hospital in 2003.
They found that the newer strain had acquired genes which enabled it to survive better in the environment, spread more easily and make patients suffer more serious symptoms.
Professor Wren said: "The bugs are fighting back and the one clear thing that comes out of this study is it is not down to cleaning but that the strain has evolved with new chunks of DNA."
C difficile is present naturally in the gut of around three per cent of adults and 66 per cent of children, NHS figures reveal.
While it does not cause any problems in healthy people, it can affect those on antibiotics.
Written by Megan Smith
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