Age, the Fecal Microbiota, and Clostridium difficile Disease

In a mouse model, survival increased for aged mice when their intestinal microbiota was comingled with that of young mice.

For unclear reasons, older individuals have a higher risk for poor outcomes and death with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Using a murine model of CDI, investigators explored inflammatory markers and the role of the gut microbiota on outcome.

After antibiotic therapy followed by oral gavage with C. difficile, the mortality of young (8-week-old) mice was 17%, compared with 83% in aged (18-month-old) mice. At day 2, peripheral granulocyte and cecal neutrophil counts, as well as cecal innate inflammatory markers, were significantly lower in aged mice compared with young mice. Animals then had their cages switched 1 week prior to antibiotic exposure, allowing for aged mice to feed on the feces of the young mice and vice versa, thus exchan…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Age, the Fecal Microbiota, and Clostridium difficile Disease

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Reviewing Author