Gut Liver.  2019 Jan;13(1):16-24. 10.5009/gnl18071.

Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention

• Song JH
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2434386
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5009/gnl18071

Abstract

The most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) often occurs after successful treatment of CDI. Due to the increased incidence and the difficulty in treating rCDI, it is becoming an important clinical issue. Identifying risk factors is helpful for early detection, treatment, and prevention of rCDI. Advanced age, use of antibiotics, gastric acid suppression, and infection with a hypervirulent strain are currently regarded as the major risk factors for rCDI. Several treatment modalities, including vancomycin, fidaxomicin, and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), are suggested for rCDI treatment. However, there is currently no definitive treatment method with sufficient evidence for rCDI. Recent studies have focused on FMT and have shown positive results for rCDI. Prevention of rCDI by measures such as hand washing and isolation of patients is very important. However, these preventive measures are often overlooked in clinical practice. Here, we review the risk factors, treatment, and prevention of rCDI.

Keyword

Clostridium difficile; Recurrence; Risk factors; Therapeutics; Prevention

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Clostridium difficile*
Clostridium*
Diarrhea
Gastric Acid
Hand Disinfection
Humans
Incidence
Methods
Microbiota
Recurrence
Risk Factors*
Vancomycin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Vancomycin