People without a history of gastrointestinal disturbances due to antibiotic use or diarrheal illness are less likely to become colonized by C. difficile.In 2005, molecular analysis led to the identification of the C. difficile strain type characterized as group BI by restriction endonuclease analysis, as North American pulse-field-type NAP1 by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis  and as ribotype 027; the differing terminology reflects the predominant techniques used for epidemiological typing. This strain is referred to as C. difficile BI/NAP1/027. Risk factors
Antibiotics
C. difficile colitis is associated most strongly with the use of these antibiotics: fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and clindamycin.Some research suggests the routine use of antibiotics in the raising of livestock is contributing to outbreaks of bacterial infections such as C. difficile. Healthcare environment
People are most often infected in hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical institutions, although infection outside medical settings is increasing. Individuals can develop the infection if they touch objects or surfaces that are contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes. Healthcare workers could possibly spread the bacteria or contaminate surfaces through hand contact. The rate of C. difficile acquisition is estimated to be 13% in those with hospital stays of up to two weeks, and 50% with stays longer than four weeks.Long-term hospitalization or residence in a nursing home within the previous year are independent risk factors for increased colonization.
Two missense mutations were also found, mainly in exon 2 and exon 7. In addition, a common non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 12 was also identified. The presence of various CTH mutations is consistent with the various categories associated with cystathioninuria. Diagnosis
The main way to diagnosis cystathioninuria is simply through increased urinary excretion of cystathionine. In some cases, a genetic test is employed. Treatment
The treatment, if any is available, varies depending on the category of cystathioninuria a patient has. The vitamin B6 – responsive form is best treated by an increased consumption of vitamin B6. This increased consumption helps with cystathionases altered ability to bind to the active form of vitamin B6. References


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