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Diarrheal disease due to Clostridium difficile in general practice
T V Riley1, F Wetherall, J Bowman
1Department of Microbiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Pathology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a common cause of protracted diarrhea in the community. Early detection and treatment with antimicrobials can lead to resolution, highlighting its significance in general practice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Community-acquired diarrhea is a common condition presenting to general practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in patients with diarrhea attending general practice.
- To identify risk factors and treatment outcomes associated with C. difficile infection in a community setting.
Main Methods:
- Stool sample analysis for C. difficile presence or cytotoxin.
- Monitoring of general practitioner antimicrobial prescribing habits.
- Clinical observation of patient symptoms and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile was detected in 5.5% of 288 stool samples, making it the most common enteric pathogen found.
- Most infected patients experienced protracted diarrhea, often following recent antimicrobial use.
- Treatment with antimicrobials, primarily metronidazole, led to symptom resolution in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of community-acquired diarrhea.
- Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial given the link between antibiotic use and C. difficile infection.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are effective in managing C. difficile-associated diarrhea.