Journal article

Spo0A differentially regulates toxin production in evolutionarily diverse strains of Clostridium difficile

KE Mackin, GP Carter, P Howarth, JI Rood, D Lyras

Plos One | PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE | Published : 2013

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is an important pathogen of humans and animals, representing a significant global healthcare problem. The last decade has seen the emergence of epidemic BI/NAP1/027 and ribotype 078 isolates, associated with the onset of more severe disease and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about these isolates at the molecular level, partly due to difficulties in the genetic manipulation of these strains. Here we report the development of an optimised Tn916-mediated plasmid transfer system, and the use of this system to construct and complement spo0A mutants in a number of different C. difficile strain backgrounds. Spo0A is a global regulator known t..

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University of Melbourne Researchers