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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Mortality and Clostridium difficile infection in an Australian setting
Brett G Mitchell1, Anne Gardner, Janet E Hiller
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|January 9, 2013
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection significantly increases mortality risk in hospitalized patients. Prompt nursing action and testing are crucial for prevention and control.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Hospital-Acquired Infections
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is linked to increased mortality in hospitalized patients.
- Research on CDI mortality outside Europe and North America is needed to understand regional epidemiology.
- This study addresses the gap by investigating CDI-associated mortality in an Australian tertiary hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the mortality risk associated with Clostridium difficile infection.
- To analyze the impact of CDI on patient survival in an Australian healthcare setting.
Main Methods:
- Observational, non-concurrent cohort study design.
- Analysis of data from CDI-infected patients and a matched control group (2007-2010).
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and conditional logistic regression, adjusting for comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index).
Main Results:
- 158 cases of Clostridium difficile infection identified.
- Statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality at 60 and 180 days for infected patients.
- Conditional regression model showed significantly higher 180-day mortality in the CDI group.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile infection is associated with increased mortality in this Australian tertiary hospital.
- Highlights the critical role of nurses in immediate contact precautions and timely sample collection for suspected CDI.
- Supports ongoing surveillance and emphasizes the importance of prevention and control activities for CDI.
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