Clostridioides difficile -Associated Antibiotics Alter Human Mucosal Barrier Functions by Microbiome-Independent Mechanisms

Abstract

A clinically relevant risk factor for Clostridioides difficile -associated disease (CDAD) is recent antibiotic treatment. Although broad-spectrum antibiotics have been shown to disrupt the structure of the gut microbiota, some antibiotics appear to increase CDAD risk without being highly active against intestinal anaerobes, suggesting direct nonantimicrobial effects. We examined cell biological effects of antibiotic exposure that may be involved in bacterial pathogenesis using an in vitro germfree human colon epithelial culture model.