Application of chromosomal restriction endonuclease digest analysis for use as typing method for Clostridium difficile

Abstract

The usefulness of restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA as a typing method for Clostridium difficile was tested. Over four months all faecal samples were routinely cultured for C difficile. DNA of all isolated strains was isolated and tested with the restriction endonuclease Hind III. The patterns obtained after electrophoresis in agarose gels seemed to be strain specific. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles agreed with the results of the restriction endonuclease analysis, though they were much less discriminating. Analysis of the results indicated that restriction endonuclease analysis is a suitable typing method for C difficile, which may be very valuable in epidemiological studies where a highly discriminating typing method is needed.