Probiotics Ameliorate Histological Alterations and Prevent Increases in Cytokine and Toxin Levels in Mice Infected with Various Clostridioides difficile Strains

The severity of C. difficile infection (CDI) varies and can be influenced by bacterial strain, toxin levels, and antibiotic treatment. Current treatments are limited due to high recurrence rates and potential risks. This study aimed to characterize the manifestations of CDIs induced by various bacterial strains in mice and to assess the effects of different probiotic strains on these manifestations, with a focus on intestinal alterations, immune response, and toxin concentrations. The tested C. difficile strains induced significant intestinal damage and disrupted intestinal epithelial integrity, as indicated by reduced ZO-1 levels, with responses varying across strains. In addition, IL-6, TNF-α, and secreted toxin levels varied across the animal groups, with the highest levels seen in mice infected with sequence type 42 or 104. Administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus paracasei following CDI induction reduced intestinal damage, with the degree of rescue varying between probiotic strains. Lactobacillus paracasei demonstrated the most notable potential in alleviating CDI, marking its potential as an adjunct to conventional therapies for CDI.