Vaccination against Clostridium difficile using toxin fragments

Spencer, J., Leuzzi, R., Buckley, A., Irvine, J., Candlish, D., Scarselli, M. and Douce, G. R. (2014) Vaccination against Clostridium difficile using toxin fragments. Gut Microbes, 5(2), pp. 225-232. (doi: 10.4161/gmic.27712) (PMID:24637800) (PMCID:PMC4063849)

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Recently, we have shown that effective protection can be mediated in hamsters through the inclusion of specific recombinant fragments from toxin A and B in a systemically delivered vaccine. Interestingly while neutralizing antibodies to the binding domains of both toxin A and B are moderately protective, enhanced survival is observed when fragments from the glucosyltransferase region of toxin B replace those from the binding domain of this toxin. In this addendum, we discuss additional information that has been derived from such vaccination studies. This includes observations on efficacy and cross-protection against different ribotypes mediated by these vaccines and the challenges that remain for a vaccine which prevents clinical symptoms but not colonization. The use and value of vaccination both in the prevention of infection and for treatment of disease relapse will be discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Spencer, Dr Janice and Douce, Dr Gillian and Buckley, Dr Anthony and Irvine, Ms June and Candlish, Mrs Denise
• Authors: Spencer, J., Leuzzi, R., Buckley, A., Irvine, J., Candlish, D., Scarselli, M., and Douce, G. R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Gut Microbes
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1949-0976
• ISSN (Online): 1949-0984
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 Landes Bioscience
• First Published: First published in Gut Microbes 5(2):225-232
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License