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Fluoroquinolone use and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Margaret E McCusker1, Anthony D Harris, Eli Perencevich
1University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics significantly increase the risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This finding highlights fluoroquinolones as a major risk factor for CDAD in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a significant healthcare-associated infection.
- Antibiotic use is a known risk factor for CDAD.
- Identifying specific antibiotic classes associated with CDAD is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between antibiotic use and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).
- To identify specific antibiotic classes that pose the highest risk for CDAD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Participants were matched for admission unit and time at risk for CDAD.
- Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess risk factors.
Main Results:
- Treatment with fluoroquinolones was identified as the strongest risk factor for CDAD.
- The odds ratio for CDAD associated with fluoroquinolone use was 12.7 (95% CI: 2.6 to 61.6).
Conclusions:
- Fluoroquinolone use is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing CDAD.
- Healthcare providers should consider the risk of CDAD when prescribing fluoroquinolones.
- Further research may explore alternative antibiotic choices to mitigate CDAD risk.