Search
New Perspectives on Clostridium difficile
- In the past 5 years, C.difficile infection rates have doubled and the overall disease severity appears to be worsening.
- Particularly concerning is the increase in community acquired infections in young patients without antibiotic or nosocomial exposure.
- These epidemiologic changes are likely due to a new strain of C.difficile characterized by increased virulence and quinolone resistance.
- Importantly, the efficacy of metronidazole has waned in recent years. In fact, > 25% of patients with moderate to severe disease do not respond to metronidazole therapy.
- As a result, vancomycin has become first-line therapy for any critically ill patient with C.difficile.
References
Janka J, O'Grady NP. Clostridium difficile infection: current perspectives. Curr Opin Crit Care 2009;15:149-53.