Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDi) is a well-known cause of diarrhoea in immuno-compromised humans. CDI is also a recognised cause of enteritis in piglets which can result in stuntedness/delayed weaning. C. difficile is an anaerobic bacterium, which produces toxin A, B, and/binary toxin as virulence factors. In this thesis, it was found that identifying farms without C. difficile through screening Is an important step in preventing human exposure. Although zoonotic transmission has not been reported, evidence suggests that it Is occurring. This work suggests that lawns farmed with contaminated manure could be a reservoir for COi. Passive immunotransfer could reduce spore shedding.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 15 Nov 2017 |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2017 |