Title: Clostridium difficile /
Authors: Aktories, K.; Wilkins, T. C.
Publisher: Springer,
Year: 2000
Subjects: Clostridioides difficile; Diarrhea Microbiology.; Colitis Microbiology.; Clostridium difficile
Abstract: Clostridium difficile has been recognized as the cause of a broad spectrum of enteric disease ranging from mild antibiotic-associated diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis. This volume gives new insights into the microbiology, diagnostics & epidemiology of Clostridium difficile & describes recent strategies in treatment of diseases caused by this agent. Main parts of the volume are devoted to Clostridium difficile toxins A & B which are the major virulence factors. The molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology & cell biology of these toxins which are the prototypes of a new family of large clostridial cytotoxins is described in great detail. Clostridium difficile toxins act as glucosyltransferases to inactivate small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family which are involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion & various signaling processes.
Contents: Microbiology, epidemiology and diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection / J.S. Brazier, S.P. Borriello -- Genetics of Clostridium difficile toxins / J.S. Moncrief, T.D. Wilkins -- Molecular mode of action of the large clostridial cytotoxins / I. Just, F. Hofmann, K. Aktories -- Cytotoxic effects of the Clostridium difficile toxins / M. Thelestam, E. Chaves-Olarte -- Large clostridial cytotoxins as tools in cell biology / I. Just, P. Boquet -- Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of Clostridium difficile diarrhea and colitis / R.J. Farrell and J.T. LaMont -- Treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis / D.N. Gerding.