Clostridium difficile and gut health: Bacteria, the gut microbiome, and diet

Abstract Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a growing global health threat, presenting significant challenges to public health. Advances in metabolomics and proteomics have enhanced our understanding of human physiology, particularly the influence of gut microbiota and dietary components on diseases like CDI. This review explores recent insights into CDI pathogenesis, including the infection cycle, toxin mechanisms, spore structure, germination, and therapeutic strategies targeting spore formation and germination. We also examine the role of gut microbiota and metabolites in CDI progression, along with the impact of diet on disease pathology through microbiota modulation and immune regulation. We aim to guide the development of precise, individualized dietary strategies to regulate gut microbiota and immune responses, offering innovative therapeutic options for CDI prevention.