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Updated: Aug 6, 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
Proton pump inhibitor therapy is a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea
K A Yearsley1, L J Gilby, A V Ramadas
1Department of Adult Medicine, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, South Wales, UK.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|August 16, 2006
Summary
Acid suppression therapy, particularly proton pump inhibitors, may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in patients taking antibiotics. This finding highlights a potential compounding factor for this common hospital-acquired infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastric acid inhibition can impair defenses against ingested pathogens, increasing infection risk.
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between acid suppression therapy and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between acid suppression therapy and an increased risk of CDAD.
- To clarify the relationship between acid suppression and CDAD in hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study involving 155 patients diagnosed with CDAD.
- Analysis of patient data, including medication history (antibiotics, acid suppression therapy) and demographics.
Main Results:
- CDAD patients were significantly more likely to have received antibiotics (92%) and acid suppression therapy (41%) compared to controls.
- Acid suppression therapy was independently associated with CDAD (OR 1.90), alongside antibiotic use and female sex.
Conclusions:
- Acid suppression therapy, specifically proton pump inhibitors, may compound the risk of CDAD in hospitalized patients already receiving antibiotics.
- This study suggests a significant link between acid suppression and CDAD, warranting further investigation and clinical consideration.
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