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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Past, present, and future therapies for Clostridium difficile-associated disease
Dorothy Surowiec1, Arpi G Kuyumjian, Michael A Wynd
1Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA. dsurowiec@hotmail.com
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|December 7, 2006
Summary
Metronidazole is the primary treatment for Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD), with vancomycin as an alternative. Further research is needed for optimal treatment and recurrence prevention in CDAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) incidence, morbidity, and mortality have increased.
- Understanding the evolving epidemiology and pathogenicity of C. difficile is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review past, present, and future treatment strategies for Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD).
- To identify optimal therapies and prevention methods for CDAD, particularly for recurrent or refractory cases.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed (1965-2006) using keywords related to C. difficile and its treatments.
- Inclusion of articles on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and current issues concerning CDAD.
- Exploration of clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing research and additional references.
Main Results:
- Metronidazole is the current first-line treatment for initial CDAD episodes; vancomycin is an alternative for non-responders or intolerant patients.
- Investigational therapies include tolevamer, nitazoxanide, probiotics, and vaccines for prevention and recurrence management.
- Limited studies exist for refractory CDAD, with case reports on vancomycin enemas, IV metronidazole, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Oral metronidazole is the preferred initial treatment for CDAD.
- Oral vancomycin serves as an alternative for specific patient groups.
- Further clinical trials are essential to establish the most effective CDAD therapies, minimize recurrences, and determine optimal management for refractory cases.
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