Current trends in the epidemiology and outcomes of clostridium difficile infection

Charlesnika T. Evans*, Nasia Safdar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

197 Scopus citations

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is the most frequently identified cause of nosocomial diarrhea and has been associated with epidemics of diarrhea in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The continued increase in C. difficile infection (CDI) suggests that it has surpassed other pathogens in causing healthcare-associated infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently identified CDI as an "urgent threat" in its recent report on antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, highlighting the need for urgent and aggressive action to prevent this infection. The impact of antibiotics as a risk factor for new-onset CDI is well established; however, recognizing classes of antibiotics with the highest risks and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use are important strategies for prevention of CDI and subsequent recurrence. In addition, the recognition of the community as an important setting for onset of CDI presents a challenge and is an area for future research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S66-S71
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume60
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2015

Funding

Financial support. This work was supported by the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (grant number USA 12-564 to C. T. E.) and the VA Health Services Research and Development Service (grant number IIR 10-148 to C. T. E.).

Keywords

  • costs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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