Clostridium Species Research Articles

Spore-Forming Clostridia in Raw Cow Milk from Northern Italy: A Trend Analysis over the Past 20 Years

Clostridium species are known for their impact on animal and human health, but also for the spoilage of foodstuffs. Their spores contaminate milk and result in germination and gas production, the latter being particularly evident in the cheeses that suffer severe depreciation. To address this issue, the Primary Production Department of the IZSLER institute in Brescia, Italy conducts the Most Probable Number (MPN) method on bovine milk samples collected from Northern Italian dairies between 2004 and 2023. This approach leverages two semi-quantitative protocols, S2 and S3, to detect Clostridium species spore forms upon customer request. Here, we would like to present an a-posteriori analysis on the results of the S2 and S3 protocols. The goal of this study is to highlight the differences between these two methods and provide evidence of the actual decrease in Clostridium species in raw cow milk over a 20-year period. Our analysis shows that client demand for S2 has progressively decreased, while S3’s has remained constant, and both protocols reveal a significant reduction in positives; furthermore, S3’s greater sensitivity made it more responsive to environmental changes. This highlights the necessity of choosing the appropriate testing protocol that accounts for both regulatory standards and environmental factors. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring to manage Clostridium species contamination and ensure milk quality.

Metabolic Versatility of acetogens in syngas Fermentation: Responding to varying CO availability.

Syngas fermentation using acetogenic bacteria offers a promising route for sustainable chemical production. However, gas-liquid mass transfer limitations and efficient co-utilization of CO and H2 pose significant challenges. This study investigated the kinetics of syngas conversion to acetate by Acetobacterium wieringae and Clostridium species in batch conditions under varying initial CO partial pressures (19 - 110 kPa) in batch cultures. A. wieringae strains, exhibited superior growth in all gas compositions, with a maximum growth rate of 0.104 h-1. The distinct CO, H2, and CO2 consumption patterns revealed metabolic flexibility and adaptation to varying syngas compositions. Notably, A. wieringae strains and C. autoethanogenum achieved complete CO and H2 conversion, with C. autoethanogenum also exhibiting net CO2 uptake. These findings provide valuable insights into the distinct metabolic capabilities of these acetogens and contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable syngas fermentation processes.

Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Patients Who Improve with Antibiotic Combination Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis and Those Who Do Not: Investigation by Fecal Metagenomic Analyses.

Background/Objectives: The cause of ulcerative colitis (UC) may be related to commensal bacteria in genetically susceptible patients. We previously demonstrated that triple antibiotic combination therapy induces remission in patients with active UC in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Now, we investigate changes in the gut microbiota of patients who responded to the antibiotic combination therapy. Methods: Thirty-one patients with UC given ATM/AFM (amoxicillin, metronidazole, and tetracycline or fosfomycin) therapy for two weeks were enrolled in this study. The clinical conditions of these UC patients were evaluated by the partial Mayo score. The gut microbiota was compared via the metagenomic shot gun analysis of fecal samples. Results: Of the 31 patients, 16 and 8 experienced complete and partial remission, respectively, over three months in response to ATM/AFM therapy, whereas ATM/AFM showed no efficacy in 7 patients. The dysbiosis before treatment in the active stage could be associated with increased populations of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Rickenella, Clostridium, Flavonifractor, Pelagibacter, Bordetella, Massilia, and Piscrickettsia species. Metagenomic analysis revealed dramatic changes in the gut microbiota at an early stage, that is, just two weeks after starting ATM/AFM therapy. After treatment in the responder group, the populations of bifidobacterium and lactobacilli species were significantly increased, while the population of bacteroides decreased. Conclusions: These results suggest that metagenomic analysis demonstrated a marked change in the gut microbiota after antibiotic combination treatment. In the triple antibiotic combination therapy, remission was associated with an increase in bifidobacterium and lactobacilli species.

Clostridial Infections in Cattle: A Comprehensive Review with Emphasis on Current Data Gaps in Brazil.

Clostridial infections in cattle are a significant concern for Brazilian livestock. These diseases are caused by various species of Clostridium, which are known for their ability to produce potent toxins. Botulism in cattle is a serious and often fatal condition caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins produced by C. botulinum. This bacterium thrives in decomposing organic matter, such as spoiled feed, carcasses, and contaminated water. Tetanus is less common, but it is a serious disease that follows the contamination of wounds with Clostridium tetani spores. It results in muscle stiffness, spasms, and often death due to respiratory failure. Blackleg (C. chauvoei) is a disease that primarily affects young cattle, leading to acute lameness, swelling, and high fever. Malignant edema (C. septicum and others) is characterized by rapid onset of swelling at wound sites, and it can occur after injuries or surgical procedures. Enterotoxemia is triggered by the rapid growth of C. perfringens in the gut following excessive carbohydrate intake. This leads to toxin production that causes sudden death. In conclusion, clostridial bovine infections remain a persistent challenge for Brazilian cattle farmers. With continued focus on vaccination, good management practices, and research, the impact of these diseases can be minimized, safeguarding the livestock industry's economic viability.

Examining the complex Interplay between gut microbiota abundance and short-chain fatty acid production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients shortly after onset of disease.

This study aimed to assess differences in the enteral microbiome of relatively recent-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients (< 6-15 months since symptom onset) compared to healthy individuals, focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as potential mediators of host metabolism. We included 28 volunteers (16 ALS, 12 controls) with informed consent. No significant effect of ALS on alpha diversity (measuring the variety and abundance of species within a single sample, and indicating the health and complexity of the microbiome) was observed, but ALS patients had higher abundances of Fusobacteria and Acidobacteria. ALS subtypes influenced specific species, with increased Fusobacteria and Tenericutes in spinal ALS compared to bulbar ALS. ALS patients showed increased Enterobacter, Clostridium, Veillonella, Dialister, Turicibacter, and Acidaminococcus species and decreased Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Butyricimonas. Correlations between species varied between ALS patients and healthy individuals and among ALS subtypes. No significant differences in SCFA concentrations were found, but spinal ALS samples showed a trend towards decreased propionate content. Relationships between SCFAs and phyla colonization differed by disease status. This study suggests distinct enteral microbiome characteristics in ALS patients, though the implications are unclear. Further research is needed to determine if these differences are causative or consequential and to explore their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. The study also underscores the heterogeneity of microbiome constraints in ALS and the need for more research into ALS and SCFA metabolism.

Gas gangrene with Clostridium septicum in a neutropenic patient.

Gas gangrene is a rare presentation of a necrotizing fasciitis, caused by Clostridium perfringens, C. septicum and other clostridial species. With its rapid progression it is a potentially life-threatening infection, that poses as a challenge in the clinical management requiring an interdisciplinary approach.Here we present a 62-year-old woman, who developed neutropenic fever while undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer. She presented with a high fever, reporting little pain in her left thigh accompanied by redness and induration locally. Subsequently the patient developed pain and redness of the back of the left hand. The initial findings suggested cellulitis and immediate empiric treatment with intravenous meropenem was started. Despite the antibiotic treatment the patient rapidly developed septic shock along with progression of the local infection. Emergency surgical debridement revealed extensive necrosis of the soft tissues including extensive myonecrosis of the thigh. On the left hand an extensive debridement was performed, the left lower limb could not be preserved and exarticulation of the left hip was required. Microbiologically C. septicum was isolated in different samples, confirming gas gangrene. As there was no local entry portal on the skin, hematogenous seeding from intestinal translocation in this neutropenic patient was suspected. The empiric antibiotic treatment was tailored to intravenous penicillin and complemented with clindamycin for toxin inhibition. Following radical debridement and antibiotic treatment, the patient could be stabilized. After repetitive debridement wound closure was achieved and the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. Antibiotic treatment was continued for four weeks.This rare case of gas gangrene in a neutropenic patient shows the complexity in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of necrotizing soft tissue infections in immunocompromised patients. It particularly highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary management with fast recognition of the disease and rapid, if needed radical, surgical debridement as well as tailored antibiotic treatment for a successful outcome.

High-Quality Genomic DNA Extraction Protocol for Bacillus and Clostridium Species.

High-quality DNA with sufficient yield is the goal of DNA extraction protocols. We present an optimized, cost-effective method for extracting next-generation sequencing (NGS)-quality genomic DNA from Bacillus and Clostridium species using the chloroform-isoamyl approach. The protocol involves two main procedures: cultivation of the bacteria under appropriate conditions, followed by DNA extraction through cell lysis, phase separation, DNA precipitation, and cleanup. This method has been successfully applied to several hundred strains of Bacillus and Clostridium species in our laboratory, including B. cereus, B. licheniformis, C. sporogenes, and C. tyrobutyricum, demonstrating its efficacy and reliability for producing high-quality DNA that meets NGS quality control standards. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Culturing Bacillus and Clostridium species Basic Protocol 2: DNA extraction © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Unveiling Microbial Diversity: Raman Spectroscopy's Discrimination of Clostridium and Related Genera.

In the clinical environment, the identification of phylogenetic closely related genera and species like Clostridium and Bacillus spp. is challenging. Both genera contain representatives of pathogenic and nonpathogenic species that need to be distinguished for a proper diagnostic read-out. Therefore, reliable and accurate detection methods must be employed for the correct identification of these genera and species. Despite their high pathogenicity, clostridial infections and food contaminations present significant challenges due to their unique cultivation conditions and developmental needs. Therefore, in many diagnostic protocols, the toxins are used for microbiological documentation. However, the applied laboratory methods suffer in accuracy, sometimes require large bacterial loads to provide reliable results, and cannot differentiate pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains. Here, Raman spectroscopy was employed to create an extensive Raman database consisting of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Bacillus and Clostridium species. These genera, as well as representatives of Paraclostridium and Clostridioides were specifically selected for their phylogenetic relation, cultivation conditions, and metabolic activity. A chemometric evaluation of the Raman spectra of single vegetative cells revealed a high discriminating power at the genus level. However, bacilli are considerably easier to classify at the species level than clostridia. The discrimination between the genera and species was based on their phylogeny and not their aerobic and anaerobic cultivation conditions. These encouraging results demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics is a robust and helpful method for differentiating Clostridium species from Bacillus, Clostridioides, and Paraclostridium species. This approach has the potential to be a valuable tool in clinical diagnostics.

Dynamic changes in the metabolome and microbiome during Citrus depressa Hayata liquid fermentation

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) is a common traditional Chinese herbal medicine, valued for its multi-bioactivity. However, its processing time, environment, and microorganisms all affect its quality and bioactivity. To address this, the study replaced solid-state fermentation with liquid fermentation using microorganisms and isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, respectively. This aimed to discover a more stable processing method and examine metabolite-micobiota correlations. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 70 differential metabolites, focusing on amino acids, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), and carbohydrates. Long-read sequencing showed a shift in dominant bacterial genera from Lactobacillus to Pediococcus, then to Clostridium. Spearman analysis revealed a positive correlation between specific Clostridium species and PMFs production. B. amyloliquefaciens fermentation notably increased PMFs content without reducing hesperidin levels, suggesting its potential as an alternative processing method. This study offers valuable insights into metabolome-microbiome interactions for future biotransformation research.

Advanced Bioconversion of sugary wastewater: Integrated polyhydroxybutyrate and hydrogen productions in a continuous airlift two-chamber bioreactor

This study utilized a novel Continuous Airlift Two-chamber Bioreactor (CATBR) for the co-production of hydrogen and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from mixed microbial cultures in sugary wastewater. Hydrogen generation was investigated in a defined bacterial consortium that contained mainly Clostridium species, and diverse microbial communities were studied in relation to PHB production, demonstrating the ability of diverse microbial communities to form stable microbial consortia. The impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, and air flow rate on PHB production was evaluated with special emphasis on volatile suspended solids (VSS).Optimal conditions for hydrogen and PHB production were established at a pH of 5.5, an aeration rate of 1500 mL/h, and an HRT of two days. Hydrogen yield was determined to be 3.14 ± 0.92 mL/g COD, and PHB yield was 31.32% (g PHB/g VSS). Production rates for hydrogen and PHB peaked at 0.23 ± 0.07 L/L.d and 0.64 g PHB/L.d, respectively, with a COD removal efficiency of 85 ± 0.67%. At an HRT of two days, the PHB generation rate was found to be 6–10 times higher than previously reported rates. The application of immobilized cell technology effectively prevented bacterial washout from the reactor, thereby ensuring stable operational conditions.

Assessment of Enterobacter, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium Population in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Today, according to various studies, the gut microbiome is closely linked to various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objectives: The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the quality and quantity of the gut microbiota in a mouse model of AD. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into either an AD group injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg/kg) or a control group. After 16 - 17 days, the mice were evaluated for their memory capacity and learning, using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance response tests. Specific primers were designed to target the 16S rRNA genes of Enterobacter, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium species in the fecal samples of mice by real‐time PCR assay. Results: The MWM and passive avoidance tests confirmed that STZ caused AD in the mouse model. According to the results of real-time PCR assays, unlike Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Enterobacter, the population of Bifidobacterium decreased significantly in mice after AD in day 28 (P &lt; 0.05). In other words, mean difference of Bifidobacterium CFU between AD group in day 28 and control group was -5.680 (95% CI: -11.3826 to -0.0174). Conclusions: Restructuring the gut microbiota using personalized dietary approaches or targeted interventions aimed at beneficial microbiota can potentially modify the composition of microbial communities and their metabolic byproducts, offering novel therapeutic possibilities for AD.

Health Hazard Associated with the Presence of Clostridium Bacteria in Food Products.

Clostridium bacteria were already known to Hippocrates many years before Christ. The name of the Clostridium species is owed to the Polish microbiologist, Adam Prażmowski. It is now known that these Clostridium bacteria are widespread in the natural environment, and their presence in food products is a threat to human health and life. According to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reports, every year, there are poisonings or deaths due to ingestion of bacterial toxins, including those of the Clostridium spp. The strengthening of consumer health awareness has increased interest in consuming products with minimal processing in recent years, which has led to a need to develop new techniques to ensure the safety of microbiological food, including elimination of bacteria from the Clostridium genera. On the other hand, the high biochemical activity of Clostridium bacteria allows them to be used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. Awareness of microbiological food safety is very important for our health. Unfortunately, in 2022, an increase in infections with Clostridium bacteria found in food was recorded. Knowledge about food contamination should thus be widely disseminated.

Integrated analyses of the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome in Ningxiang piglets

Ningxiang (NX) pig has been recognized as one of the most famous Chinese indigenous breeds due to its characteristics in stress resistance. However, intestinal microbial feature and gene profiling in NX piglets have not been studied. Here, we compared the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome between NX and Duroc × Landrace × Large white (DLY) piglets and found the high enrichment of several colonic Bacteroides, Prevotella and Clostridium species in NX piglets. Further functional analyses revealed their predominant function in methane, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis metabolism. Our mRNA-sequencing data unraveled the distinct colonic gene expression between these two breeds. In particular, we showed that the improved intestinal function in NX piglets may be determined by enhanced intestinal barrier gene expression and varied immune gene expression through modulating the composition of the gut microbes. Together, our study revealed the intestinal characteristics of NX piglets, providing their potential application in improving breeding strategies and developing dietary interventions.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of anaerobic bacteremia during 1994–2019: A Danish population-based cohort study

ObjectivesBacteremia with anaerobic bacteria is generally a marker of severe prognosis. However, population-based data is lacking. Our aim was to describe the epidemiology and the 30-day mortality rate of anaerobic bacteremia in a Danish population-based setting. MethodsIn this population-based cohort study, all first-time episodes of anaerobic bacteremia from the North Denmark Bacteremia Research Database during 1994–2019 were identified. Information on comorbidities, discharge diagnoses, and mortality was retrieved. 30-day mortality rates were calculated and a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for death was performed. Results1750 episodes with anaerobic bacteremia were identified, corresponding to an incidence rate of 12.5 per 100,000 inhabitants (increasing from 11.2 in 1994–2014 to 17.7 in 2015–2019). Of these episodes, a third were polymicrobial, and the majority (70 %) of patients had one or more comorbid conditions. Abdominal infection was the source of bacteremia in 61 % of patients, while it was unknown for 15 %. The most frequently isolated genera were Bacteroides (45 %), Clostridium (20 %) and Fusobacterium (6 %). The overall crude 30-day mortality rate was 27 %, but rates were even higher for patients of high age, with liver disease, and solid tumors. The odds ratio (OR) for 30-day mortality was 1.32 for Clostridium species, and 1.27 for polymicrobial bacteremia with aerobic bacteria. ConclusionsThe incidence rate of anaerobic bacteremia increased, and the 30-day mortality rate remained high during the study period. Multiple factors influence 30-day mortality rates, including high age, liver disease, solid tumor, polymicrobial bacteremia, and bacteremia with Clostridium species.

Electrode-based floating treatment wetlands: Insights into design operation factors influencing bioenergy generation and treatment performance

Exponential increases in energy consumption and wastewater have often irreversible environmental impacts. As a result, bio-electrochemical devices like microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which convert chemical energy in organic matter to electricity using exoelectrogenic bacteria, have gained interest. However, operational factors affecting efficiency and energy output need further study. This research investigated bioenergy production and COD, TN, and TP removal in mesoscale floating treatment wetlands (FTW-MFC) using Phragmites australis, Iris pseudacorus, and a mix of both. The Iris FTW-MFC achieved a high voltage peak of 2100 mV. The maximum power densities of 484 mW/m2, 1196 mW/m2, and 441 mW/m2 were observed for Phragmites, Iris, and mixed FTW-MFCs, respectively. Despite promising bioenergy yields, pollutant removal was unsatisfactory. A low area/height ratio (0.38 m2/0.8 m) and high loading rate (18.1 g/m2·d COD) boosted bioenergy output but hindered treatment performance and stressed plants, causing root decay. No significant pollutant removal differences were found between FTW-MFC and FTW. Higher relative plant growth rates occurred in the FTW-MFC. Microbial analysis shown that representatives of Pseudomonas and Clostridium species were consistently found across all samples, involved in both organic compound transformation and electricity generation, contributed to successful microscale results. A supporting microscale MFC experiment showed wastewater composition's impact on bioenergy yield and pollutant removal. Pre-inoculated reactors improved organic matter transformation and electricity generation, while aeration increased voltage and treatment performance. The role of plants requires further verification in future experiments.

Gut microbial features and circulating metabolomic signatures of frailty in older adults.

Frailty, a multidimensional indicator of suboptimal aging, reflects cumulative declines across multiple physiological systems. Although age-related changes have been reported in gut microbiota, their role in healthy aging remains unclear. In this study, we calculated frailty index (FI) from 33 health-related items to reflect the overall health status of 1,821 older adults (62-96 years, 55% female) and conducted multi-omics analysis using gut metagenomic sequencing data and plasma metabolomic data. We identified 18 microbial species and 17 metabolites shifted along with frailty severity, with stronger links observed in females. The associations of nine species, including various Clostridium species and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, with FI were reproducible in two external populations. Plasma glycerol levels, white blood cell count and kidney function partially mediated these associations. A composite microbial score derived from FI significantly predicted 2-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio across extreme quartiles, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-5.93), highlighting the potential of microbiota-based strategies for risk stratification in older adults.

Antimicrobial Evaluation of Two Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinol Compounds: PPAP23 and PPAP53.

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) comprise a large group of compounds of mostly plant origin. The best-known compound is hyperforin from St. John's wort with its antidepressant, antitumor and antimicrobial properties. The chemical synthesis of PPAP variants allows the generation of compounds with improved activity and compatibility. Here, we studied the antimicrobial activity of two synthetic PPAP-derivatives, the water-insoluble PPAP23 and the water-soluble sodium salt PPAP53. In vitro, both compounds exhibited good activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Both compounds had no adverse effects on Galleria mellonella wax moth larvae. However, they were unable to protect the larvae from infection with S. aureus because components of the larval coelom neutralized the antimicrobial activity; a similar effect was also seen with serum albumin. In silico docking studies with PPAP53 revealed that it binds to the F1 pocket of human serum albumin with a binding energy of -7.5 kcal/mol. In an infection model of septic arthritis, PPAP23 decreased the formation of abscesses and S. aureus load in kidneys; in a mouse skin abscess model, topical treatment with PPAP53 reduced S. aureus counts. Both PPAPs were active against anaerobic Gram-positive gut bacteria such as neurotransmitter-producing Clostridium, Enterococcus or Ruminococcus species. Based on these results, we foresee possible applications in the decolonization of pathogens.

Clostridial Myonecrosis: A Comprehensive Review of Toxin Pathophysiology and Management Strategies.

Clostridial myonecrosis, commonly known as gas gangrene (GG), is a rapidly progressing and potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects muscle and soft tissue. In the United States, the incidence of GG is roughly 1000 cases per year, while, in developing countries, the incidence is higher. This condition is most often caused by Clostridium perfringens, a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium widely distributed in the environment, although other Clostridium species have also been reported to cause GG. The CP genome contains over 200 transport-related genes, including ABC transporters, which facilitate the uptake of sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, and ions from the host environment. There are two main subtypes of GG: traumatic GG, resulting from injuries that introduce Clostridium spores into deep tissue, where anaerobic conditions allow for bacterial growth and toxin production, and spontaneous GG, which is rarer and often occurs in immunocompromised patients. Clostridium species produce various toxins (e.g., alpha, theta, beta) that induce specific downstream signaling changes in cellular pathways, causing apoptosis or severe, fatal immunological conditions. For example, the Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) targets the host cell's plasma membrane, hydrolyzing sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, which triggers necrosis and apoptosis. The clinical manifestations of clostridial myonecrosis vary. Some patients experience the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling, and muscle tenderness, with the infection progressing rapidly to widespread tissue necrosis, systemic toxicity, and, if untreated, death. Other patients present with discharge, pain, and features of cellulitis. The diagnosis of GG primarily involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays, computer tomography (CT) scans, and culture. The treatment of GG involves surgical exploration, broad-spectrum antibiotics, antitoxin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is considered an adjunctive treatment to inhibit anaerobic bacterial growth and enhance the antibiotic efficacy. Early recognition and prompt, comprehensive treatment are critical to improving the outcomes for patients affected by this severe and life-threatening condition.

Analysis of Intestinal Bacterial Microbiota in Individuals with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain is a health problem that represents the greatest cause of years lived with disability. This research seeks to evaluate the bacterial composition of the intestinal microbiota of two similar groups: one with chronic low back pain (PG) and the control group (CG). Clinical data from 73 participants and bacterial genome sequencing data from stool samples were analyzed. There were 40 individuals in PG and 33 in CG, aged between 20 and 50 years and with a body mass index of up to 30 kg/m2. Thus, the intragroup alpha diversity and intergroup beta diversity were analyzed. The significant results (p < 0.05) showed greater species richness in PG compared to CG. Additionally, a greater abundance of the species Clostridium difficile in PG was found along with 52 species with significantly different average relative abundances between groups (adjusted p < 0.05), with 36 more abundant species in PG and 16 in CG. We are the first to unveil significant differences in the composition of the intestinal bacterial microbiota of individuals with chronic low back pain who are non-elderly, non-obese and without any other serious chronic diseases. It could be a reference for a possible intestinal bacterial microbiota signature in chronic low back pain.

Pantothenate kinase: A promising therapeutic target against pathogenic Clostridium species

Current treatment of clostridial infections includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and antitoxins, yet antitoxins are ineffective against all Clostridium species. Moreover, rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens treatment effectiveness and public health. This study therefore aimed to discover a common drug target for four pathogenic clostridial species, Clostridium botulinum, C. difficile, C. tetani, and C. perfringens through an in-silico core genomic approach. Using four reference genomes of C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. tetani, and C. perfringens, we identified 1484 core genomic proteins (371/genome) and screened them for potential drug targets. Through a subtractive approach, four core proteins were finally identified as drug targets, represented by type III pantothenate kinase (CoaX) and, selected for further analyses. Interestingly, the CoaX is involved in the phosphorylation of pantothenate (vitamin B5), which is a critical precursor for coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. Investigation of druggability analysis on the identified drug target reinforces CoaX as a promising novel drug target for the selected Clostridium species. During the molecular screening of 1201 compounds, a known agonist drug compound (Vibegron) showed strong inhibitory activity against targeted clostridial CoaX. Additionally, we identified tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, as effective against the newly proposed target, CoaX. Therefore, identifying CoaX as a single drug target effective against all four clostridial pathogens presents a valuable opportunity to develop a cost-effective treatment for multispecies clostridial infections.