Clostridium difficile

Abstract 

Clostridium difficile causes a potentially life-threatening diarrhoea, which is predominantly acquired in hospitals. The incidence of infections caused by this organism has increased markedly over the past 20 years. Cases should be suspected quickly and managed appropriately. Initiation of early treatment and rapid confirmation of diagnosis is critical to the management of C. difficile infection (CDI). CDI should be treated as a new diagnosis and urgently assessed. After severity has been assessed appropriate treatment should be started. Risk factors for CDI include age, immune suppression and use of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Infection control measures to reduce rates of CDI should be an integral part of the management of all hospitals. These measures include isolation of cases, hand washing, environmental cleaning and antibiotic stewardship.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile, diarrhoea, healthcare-associated infection, infection control, management