Montreal team unlocks genetic code of C. difficile

Researchers in Montreal say they've cracked the genetic code of a strain of C. difficile that has been causing severe diarrhea outbreaks in Quebec.

The strain, responsible for infections at hospitals and nursing homes in Quebec, is similar to others found in the U.S. and Europe, the researchers said.

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Symptoms include severe diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.

Scientists at McGill University, Gnome Qubec Innovation Centre, McGill University Health Centre and Jewish General Hospital say they have successfully sequenced the genome of the virulent strain.

The researchers believe the discovery will make it easier to detect, prevent and treat the disease.

The team will begin by searching for antibiotic resistance genes and more information on the toxins produced.

The Quebec strain is resistant to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, which may have contributed to its spread throughout the province, the researchers said.