Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
09:12
A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
Published on: June 15, 2018
Risk factors for Clostridium difficile toxin-positive diarrhea: a population-based prospective case-control study
I Vesteinsdottir1, S Gudlaugsdottir, R Einarsdottir
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Summary
Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are a growing concern, particularly in the elderly. Key risk factors include certain antibiotics, hospital stays, and proton pump inhibitor use, highlighting areas for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) present a significant and increasing public health challenge.
- Understanding and mitigating risk factors are crucial for reducing CDI incidence and severity.
- Population-based data on CDI incidence and risk factors are essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) in Iceland.
- To identify and assess independent risk factors associated with CDI development.
- To evaluate the prevalence of specific medications and healthcare exposures in CDI patients.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year prospective, population-based, nationwide study was conducted in Iceland.
- 128 CDI cases were identified and matched with two negative controls each for risk factor analysis.
- Statistical analysis included calculating crude incidence and odds ratios for identified risk factors.
Main Results:
- The crude incidence of CDI was 54 cases per 100,000 population over 18 years, increasing with age.
- Independent risk factors identified include specific antibiotics (dicloxacillin, clindamycin, ceftriaxone), retirement home residency, and recent hospital stays.
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (54% vs. 41%) and ciprofloxacin use (17% vs. 9%) were significantly more prevalent in CDI cases.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) disproportionately affect the elderly population.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics, recent healthcare contact, and proton pump inhibitor use are significant risk factors for CDI.
- Targeted preventive strategies focusing on these modifiable risk factors are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Bacterial Toxins
Bacterial toxins are sophisticated virulence factors that enable pathogenic bacteria to interact with, invade, and damage host tissues. These toxins fall broadly into two types: protein exotoxins, which are secreted into the environment and target specific host receptors, and lipopolysaccharide endotoxins, which are structural components of the bacterial outer membrane released primarily during bacterial lysis or membrane shedding. Exotoxins generally act more selectively, binding to cell...
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...