Liberation of host heme by <i>Clostridioides difficile-</i> mediated damage enhances <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> fitness during infection

Abstract

<i>Clostridioides difficile</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> are two pathogens of great public health importance. Both bacteria colonize the human gastrointestinal tract where they are known to interact in ways that worsen disease outcomes. We show that the damage associated with <i>C. difficile</i> infection (CDI) releases nutrients that benefit <i>E. faecalis</i>. One particular nutrient, heme, allows <i>E. faecalis</i> to use oxygen to generate energy and grow better in the gut. Understanding the mechanisms of these interspecies interactions could inform therapeutic strategies for CDI.