Clostridium difficile Infection Update for the Hospital-Based Physician

Abstract Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) hospitalization and mortality rates increased rapidly over the first decade of the 21st century associated with the emergence of an “epidemic” C. difficile strain. Improved knowledge of this strain and its unique characteristics as well as C. difficile in general have heightened awareness to its virulence, recurrence risks, and transmissibility. The overuse of certain antimicrobials, which in turn disrupt the protective intestinal micro environment, may be driving CDI emergence. Newer treatments and those on the horizon have shown promise in their ability to reduce disease recurrence. Emergency and hospital-based physicians are frequently the first responders to patients with CDI. Therefore, the ability to identify an infected patient early, initiate appropriate medical and/or surgical management, and initiate preventative measures to impede spread and acquisition is imperative for the health of the entire hospital community.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research