Growth of Clostridium difficile and production of toxins A and B in complex and defined media

The ability of several strains of Clostridium difficile to grow and to produce toxins A and B in complex and defined culture media has been studied with special reference to the amino-acid composition of the medium. The production of these toxins varied with the strain used and with the composition of the growth medium. Toxin A production was not inextricably linked to production of toxin B since conditions were found in which only one or other toxin was produced.