Clostridium difficile Infection: A Model for Disruption of the Gut Microbiota Equilibrium

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem defined by the combination of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract. Its equilibrium is intimately involved in several aspects of vital process for human physiology and nutrition. Its composition changes depending on both exogenous and endogenous factors. The disruption of the gut microbiota by antibiotics often leads to an opportunistic infection by Clostridium difficile. The unbalanced intestinal microbiota promotes spore germination, growth of vegetative forms and toxin production leading to C. difficile infection, which is characterized by diarrhea and possibly pseudomembranous colitis. This nosocomial infection is a good model to understand the role of the gut microbiota in preventing the development of pathogens.