Characterization of a Clostridioides difficile outbreak caused by PCR ribotype 046, associated with increased mortality.

Magnusson C, Mernelius S, Bengnér M, Norén T, Serrander L, Forshell S, Matussek A

Emerg Microbes Infect 11 (1) 850-859 [2022-12-00; online 2022-03-05]

This study describes a large nosocomial outbreak of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) dominated by ribotype (RT) 046 in a Swedish hospital. The present study aimed to examine the pathogenicity of this RT, explore epidemiological links by whole genome sequencing (WGS), and evaluate different interventions implemented to stop the outbreak. Clinical isolates (n = 366) collected during and after the outbreak were ribotyped and 246 isolates were subjected to WGS. Medical records of patients infected with the seven most common RTs were evaluated. RT046 was spread effectively throughout the hospital and was the most common among the 44 different RTs found (114/366 isolates). Infection with RT046 was associated with higher mortality compared to other strains (20.2% to 7.8%), although there were no differences in concomitant disease, age or antibiotic treatment. To control the outbreak, several measures were successfully implemented.

Clinical Genomics Stockholm [Service]

PubMed 35240942

DOI 10.1080/22221751.2022.2049981

Crossref 10.1080/22221751.2022.2049981

pmc: PMC8942542


Publications 9.5.0