ABSTRACT:
The present study aimed to evaluate five non-toxigenic strains ofClostridium difficile (NTCD) in vitro and to select one strain to preventC. difficile (CDI) infection in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus ). The NTCD strains were evaluated for spore production in vitro, antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Approximately 107 spores of the selected strain (Z31) were administered by esophageal gavage in hamsters pretreated with 30mg kg-1 of clindamycin. The challenge with a toxigenic strain ofC. difficile was conducted at 36 and 72h, and the animals were observed for 28 days. The NTCD strain ofC. difficile (Z31) was able to prevent CDI in all animals that received it.
Key words:
diarrhea; Clostridium difficile- associated diseases; colitis