A subset of Clostridium difficile bacteria is on the verge of becoming a new species, according to an article on the Global News website.
Researchers found the strain in hospitals, where it represents about 69 per cent of all C. difficile cases in the U.S., and 100 per cent in China.
This bacteria is perfectly adapted for life in hospital, with good resistance to common cleaners like hydrogen peroxide.
Another type of C. difficile, Clade B, is different enough from Clade A to suggest that the two types may someday be two different species.