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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
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A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Clostridium difficile among hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics: a case-control study
Scott Modena1, Dilip Bearelly, Kenneth Swartz
1Gastroenterology Section, Temple University Hospital, 8 Parkinson Pavilion, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|September 15, 2005
Summary
Hospitalized patients needing intensive care or longer stays face higher risks of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Macrolide antibiotic use appears protective against developing this infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in healthcare settings.
- Up to 30% of hospitalized patients may carry C. difficile asymptomatically.
- Understanding risk factors for C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients who developed CDAD with those who received antibiotics but did not develop the disease.
- To identify specific risk factors and protective elements associated with CDAD in hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted at a single institution.
- Case-patients were defined as those with diarrhea and positive C. difficile tests.
- Control-patients received antibiotics for at least 5 days and did not develop CDAD, matched 4:1 to cases.
Main Results:
- Univariate analysis identified nine associated variables for CDAD.
- Logistic regression revealed intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of hospital stay as significant risk factors.
- Macrolide antibiotic use was found to be protective, significantly reducing the risk of CDAD.
Conclusions:
- Intensive care unit (ICU) admission and prolonged hospital stays are significant risk factors for CDAD.
- Macrolide antibiotic administration demonstrated a protective effect against CDAD development.
- Patients in intensive care units may benefit from targeted prophylactic strategies against CDAD.
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