The secret behind Clostridium difficile strength is uncovered. C. Diff, a harmful bacterial infection that often takes hold after antibiotic exposure and is more common in hospitals, was found to release para-cresol, a special compound that prevents other bacteria from growing. This compound gives C. Diff a competitive advantage and dominance over the intestinal microbiota. PLOS

C. Diff affects half a million Americans annually, and is the cause of 15,000 deaths each year, and these numbers are climbing. Researchers are hopeful that this study finding will lead to the development of a drug that targets C. Diff infection more effectively.