Isolation of C. difficile in dogs with digestive problems and antibiotic resistance

The spread of Clostridium difficile as a cause of community-acquired infection among humans has fueled growing concern about the possible role of animals as a source of epidemic strains. The association between the presence of C. difficile and the development of diarrhea and other digestive disorders in small animals remains controversial. Previous studies on the epidemiology of C. difficile in dogs have found a high variation in prevalence rates, depending on the geographical location, age, breed and clinical condition of the animals, antibiotic use and some methodological considerations. The prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 10...