This thesis describes the epidemiology of emerging infections with Clostridium difficile. Outbreaks of severe disease with high mortality were found to be associated with certain types of this bacterium and type specific risk factors were identified. Moreover, highly discriminatory typing techniques were useful in understanding clonal disseminations across healthcare institutions.Abbott B.V., Astellas B.V., Boehringer-Ingelheim B.V., Clean Air Techniek B.V., Eurocept B.V., Gilead B.V., Janssen-Cilag B.V., MSD B.V., Pfizer B.V., SanoMi-Pasteur-MSD N.V. and ViiV Healthcare B.V.UBL - phd migration 201
