Recurrent clostridium difficile infection- the scope of the problem and management Decisions

Clostridium difficile associated infection is a growing problem worldwide, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. More recently there have been epidemics of Clostridium difficile associated disease in the United States and Canada with emergence of a hypervirulent NAP1/BI/027 strain.1 As many as 35% of patients develop recurrent Clostridium difficile associated disease after an initial episode. Of these patients, 50 to 65% have multiple recurrences of Clostridium difficile infection.2 Still other patients develop refractory or life-threatening fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis despite standard antibiotic treatment.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research