Question

How does C scindens compete with C diff?

a) By producing antibiotics that inhibit C diff growth
b) By producing spores that outcompete C diff in the gut
c) By secreting enzymes that break down C diff cell walls
d) By generating toxins that neutralize C diff pathogens

Answer 1

C. scindens competes with C. diff by converting primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, which inhibits the growth of C. diff in the gut environment. Option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clostridium scindens (C. scindens) competes with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) mainly by transforming primary bile acids into secondary bile acids.

These secondary bile acids are known to inhibit the growth of C. diff, which is a significant factor in the prevention of C. diff infection. C. scindens does not directly produce antibiotics, spores, or enzymes to attack C. diff, nor does it generate toxins against C. diff pathogens.

Instead, its competitive advantage lies in its ability to metabolize bile salts which leads to an environment that is less hospitable for C. diff to colonize and thrive. So option a.