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Why some people may be more susceptible to deadly C. difficile infections

In mice, disturbances in the mix of gut microbes set the stage for the pathogen to flourish

Clostridioides difficile illustration

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS A bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (illustrated) that causes severe diarrhea takes advantage when antibiotics or other factors disrupt the normal mix of microbes in the gut. 

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By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

An intestinal pathogen that causes severe and sometimes life-threatening diarrhea is an opportunist that grows like gangbusters under the right conditions.