Advances in regulation of Clostridioides difficile sporulation and germination

Abstract:

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, toxin-producing obligate anaerobic bacterium, which is the main pathogen causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Spore is an important factor causing spread of C. difficile and infection recurrence. Sporulation and germination of C. difficile play an important role in the development of infection. In recent years, more and more specific mechanisms of C. difficile spore formation and germination have been elucidated. In this article, we reviewed the recent research progress on the molecular regulation mechanisms of C. difficile sporulation and germination to provide ideas for the development of effective treatments targeting spores.

Key words:Clostridioides difficile, sporulation, spore germination, regulatory mechanism