IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses a significant public health threat, with over 8,500 cases reported annually in Australia, generating substantial healthcare and societal costs. Traditionally associated with healthcare settings, community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI) is on the rise, with potential links to zoonotic transmission via contaminated food and surfaces. This study adopts a “One Health” approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, to model the complex dynamics of CDI transmission. Utilising a participatory Systems methodology, the research integrates diverse data sources—including clinical records, environmental sampling, genomic sequencing, and stakeholder insights—to construct a dynamic simulation model. The approach emphasises a transdisciplinary collaboration among epidemiologists, microbiologists, environmental scientists, social scientists, and policymakers. Key tools include causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to elucidate interdependencies among transmission drivers and identify feedback mechanisms influencing CDI spread. By analysing behavioural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, alongside potential zoonotic pathways, the study seeks to uncover critical intervention points. The findings aim to inform evidence-based strategies for mitigating CDI, such as enhanced hygiene protocols and antimicrobial stewardship, while facilitating cost-benefit analyses of various interventions. This research pioneers the application of Systems modelling to CDI, offering broader implications for infectious disease control and policy development by deepening our understanding of transmission dynamics across human, animal, and environmental systems.