Update on Commonly Used Molecular Typing Methods for Clostridioides difficile

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant Clostridioides difficile molecular typing techniques currently employed in research and medical communities. The main objectives of this review are to describe the key molecular typing methods utilized in C. difficile studies and to highlight the epidemiological characteristics of the most prevalent strains on a global scale. Geographically distinct regions exhibit distinct strain types of C. difficile, with notable concordance observed among various typing methodologies. The advantages that next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers has changed epidemiology research, enabling high-resolution genomic analyses of this pathogen. NGS platforms offer an unprecedented opportunity to explore the genetic intricacies and evolutionary trajectories of C. difficile strains. It is relevant to acknowledge that novel routes of transmission are continually being unveiled and warrant further investigation, particularly in the context of zoonotic implications and environmental contamination.

Automated summary

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current molecular typing techniques used in research and medical communities for Clostridioides difficile. The main objectives are to describe the key methods and highlight the epidemiological characteristics of prevalent strains worldwide. Geographically distinct regions exhibit different strain types, with notable consistency among different typing methods. Next-generation sequencing offers unprecedented opportunities for genomic analyses and understanding the transmission of C. difficile.