Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Clostridium difficile clinical isolates from Victoria, Australia

•Clostridium difficile is a nosocomial pathogen, with different strain types causing disease.•We have generated a snap-shot of C. difficile strain types circulating in Victoria.•The diversity of isolates in Victoria may differ from other parts of the world.•Most strains were toxinotype 0, but toxinotypes V and VIII strains were also found.•Strains were metronidazole and vancomycin sensitive; 2 were moxifloxacin resistant.

Some Australian strain types of Clostridium difficile appear unique, highlighting the global diversity of this bacterium. We examined recent and historic local isolates, finding predominantly toxinotype 0 strains, but also toxinotypes V and VIII. All isolates tested were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole, while moxifloxacin resistance was only detected in recent strains.