Evidence to support the existence of subgroups within the UK epidemic Clostridium difficile strain (PCR ribotype 1)

We used three different DNA fingerprinting techniques and clindamycin susceptibility testing to confirm that Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype I isolates can be divided into two subclones. This observation may permit a better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of C. difficile infection. (C) 2002 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.