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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Development of a Larval Zebrafish Infection Model for Clostridioides difficile
Published on: February 14, 2020
A Multifaceted Approach to the Prevention of Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile
Kimberly Pate1, Jennifer Reece, Alex Smyre
1Author Affiliations: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgical-Trauma Division (Ms Pate), Infection Preventionist (Ms Reece), and Data Analyst, Infection Prevention (Ms Smyre), Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Purpose/Objectives:
The purpose of this project was to design and implement a sustainable program to reduce hospital-acquired cases of Clostridioides difficile.
Description Of The Project:
Experiencing higher rates in a large, academic medical center, hospital leaders were assembled. The overall facility rate was 6.9% in 2014 with a first quarter rate of 8.4% in 2015. Individual unit rates were as high as 19.8%. A team of key stakeholders was assembled to plan, execute, and reevaluate targeted solutions. Strategies implemented were an innovative, automated screening tool, an evidence-based prevention bundle; and staff education.
Outcomes:
A facility-wide C difficile prevention program was implemented with a sustained decrease in rates observed from 8.4% in the first quarter of 2015 to 6.0% in the fourth quarter of 2017. The standardized infection ratio ranged from 0.541 to 0.889, consistently below the national mean.
Conclusion:
Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of hospital-associated diarrhea and a tremendous burden on healthcare systems increasing morbidity, mortality, and financial strain. A multidisciplinary, multifaceted approach was critical to ensure early detection, reduce risk of transmission, and decrease overall rates.
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