<i>C. difficile</i>-specific Taqman qPCR analysis of hamster feces and ceca.

Abstract

<p>(A) A custom qPCR specific for <i>C. difficile</i> DNA was consistently negative for all tested samples from the untreated control group of hamsters. <i>C. difficile</i> DNA in the UIg group rises above the limit of detection by day 7 and remains elevated. The infected hamsters have a detectable spike by day 3 despite having no detectable <i>C. difficile</i> initially. The mAb-treated groups have near-complete survival to day 40 despite having a significant pathogen DNA burden as determined by PCR analysis. Vancomycin-treated animals have a lower spike by day 3 that falls below the limit of detection for most of the subsequent samples. (B) <i>C. difficile</i> 16S RNA copies were detected in luminal and cecal samples. Red bar- group mean 16S copies/ng DNA; gray dots- individual mean 16S copies/ng DNA. Limit of detection is 27 copies per reaction, or ca. 7.9×10³<i>C. difficile</i> genome equivalents per gram of dry weight feces assuming perfect recovery.</p