Tracking the antibiotic resistance of a toxic new strain of bacteria
Several studies have been published recently about Clostridium difficile, a microbe that can cause serious digestive illness. Because of overuse of antibiotics, this germ may have mutated into a toxic new strain.
An Epidemic, Toxin Gene–Variant Strain of Clostridium difficile
New England Journal of Medicine, Dec. 8, 2005
This study looks at several reports that suggest that the rate of disease associated with Clostridium difficile is increasing, which may be the result of a new strain of C. difficile.
Severe Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease in Populations Previously at Low Risk –Four States, 2005
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Dec. 2, 2005
C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) usually affects hospital patients, especially those who are elderly or very ill. According to this report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are now cases of relatively healthy adults, including some who have not even been exposed to a hospital, contracting the disease as well.
Use of Gastric Acid–Suppressive Agents and the Risk of Community-Acquired Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease
Journal of the American Medical Association, Dec. 21, 2005
This study suggests that overusing agents that suppress gastric acid, such as Prilosec or Pepcid, lowers the body's natural defenses against bugs like C. difficile, which puts people at an increased risk of developing CDAD.