14 DAY TRIAL // Researchers at the McGill University together with three other teams have succeeded to sequence the genome of a virulent strain of Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, which has killed 2000 inhabitants of Quebec starting 2003.
"We've sequenced the genome of a highly virulent Quebec strain of C. difficile. We can now begin the search for other toxin and antibiotic resistance genes, and novel genome arrangements that will allow us to better understand why this strain causes severe disease," Dr. Ken Dewar, leader of the research team, said.
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, is a bacterial microbe that can cause an infection of the bowel. The usual symptoms are diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. The Quebec strain is resistant to a group of antibiotics, which may have contributed to its spread through the province. Regular hand washing with soap and water is the mainstay of prevention of C. difficile infection.
"Our success in sequencing this genome has taken us a huge step forward in developing improved prevention and treatment methods, as well as more rapid diagnosis for an infection that is a serious concern, not just in Quebec but around the world. Just as knowing the letters of the alphabet underlies the ability to read and write, this discovery will provide scientists with the basic information needed to understand why this strain is more virulent," Dr. Andre Dascal said.
According to the Montreal Gazette, although C. difficile is considered mostly a hospital problem, there are disturbing reports of some people getting sick in the community. The McGill researchers suspect the Quebec strain might also produce hardier spores that can survive on surfaces much longer. That might be the reason hospitals have had such a difficult time eradicating the bug from surfaces in washrooms.