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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
The economic burden of Clostridium difficile
S M McGlone1, R R Bailey, S M Zimmer
1Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. smm168@pitt.edu
Summary
Healthcare-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) significantly burdens hospitals, payers, and society. This economic model reveals substantial costs, highlighting the financial impact of this common nosocomial pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Economics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a primary cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients.
- The overall economic impact of healthcare-associated C. difficile infection (CDI) on hospitals, payers, and society is not well-defined.
- Nosocomial pathogens like C. difficile represent a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an economic computer simulation model to quantify the costs associated with healthcare-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
- To analyze the economic burden from the perspectives of hospitals, third-party payers, and society.
- To conduct sensitivity analyses to understand the impact of key variables on the total cost of CDI.
Main Methods:
- Development of an economic computer simulation model.
- Analysis of costs from hospital, third-party payer, and societal viewpoints.
- Sensitivity analyses varying hospitalization costs, CDI-attributable length of stay, and recurrence probabilities.
Main Results:
- Median costs per CDI case ranged from $9,179-$11,456 (hospital), $8,932-$11,679 (payer), and $13,310-$16,464 (societal).
- Annual US economic burden of CDI estimated at ≥$496 million (hospital), ≥$547 million (payer), and ≥$796 million (societal).
- Costs are predominantly incurred during the primary CDI episode.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile infection imposes a significant economic burden across hospitals, third-party payers, and society.
- The financial impact of CDI underscores the need for effective prevention and management strategies.
- Results align with existing literature identifying CDI as a costly infectious disease.
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