High prevalence of Clostridium difficile in the Western Australian environment

Introduction: Despite remaining a major hospital pathogen, Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) have been increasing in the community. Non-human reservoirs of CDI include both production and companion animals, and food and the environment is being contaminated via animal manure. However, the extent of this environmental contamination is poorly understood. Here we provide further insight into potential sources of community-acquired CDI in WA.