Which type of bacteria is known for causing outbreaks linked to antibiotic use and is a concern in HAIs?

Clostridium difficile is known for its significant role in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in patients who have recently undergone antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut flora, allowing C. difficile, which can be present in a dormant spore form, to proliferate in the gastrointestinal tract. This overgrowth can lead to severe diarrhea and colitis, which are characteristic of C. difficile infections.

The bacterium is particularly concerning in healthcare settings due to its ability to form spores that are resistant to many standard disinfection methods, making it challenging to control and eradicate from patient environments. Furthermore, C. difficile is often linked to outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities, primarily affecting individuals with weakened immune systems or those receiving antibiotic therapy.

While the other bacteria mentioned can cause infections and may have implications in HAIs, their mechanisms and associations with antibiotic use and outbreaks differ from those of C. difficile.