An analysis of strain diversity in Clostridium difficile and development of a targeted immunotherapeutic

Clostridium difficile is recognised as the leading cause of bacterial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea worldwide. While these antibiotics successfully treat disease patients remain susceptible to recurrent infection by preventing reestablishment of the protective bacteria in the gut, therefore non-antibiotic alternatives are required. This thesis explored the use of targeted bovine colostrum to prevent disease. By targeting multiple aspects of the C. difficile life cycle, we were able to successfully prevent fulminant disease in mice. We also demonstrated the importance of considering the many different types of C. difficile strains when designing a treatment, to ensure optimal efficacy.