[Update in diagnosis and management of Clostridioides difficile]

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is one of the leading causes of infection associated with health care with high morbidity and mortality, especially among hospitalized older adults. The increase in the use of antibiotics has been associated with a higher number of cases and greater virulence. Its clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic carriers to toxic megacolon. Studies with stool tests (glutamate dehydrogenase, toxins A and B, and nuclear acid amplification techniques) should be considered in these cases. Fidaxomicin, fecal microbiota transplant, and new therapies such as monoclonal antibodies have been incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal, with a higher level of evidence. Nevertheless, the severity, patient comorbidity, recurrence risk factors, and the economic cost of each therapeutic option must be considered. This review aims to update the last guidelines proposed by the Chilean Societies of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases published in 2016, providing the latest recommendations regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of C. difficile infection.