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Multicenter study on Clostridioides difficile infections in Mexico: exploring the landscape
Daniel De-la-Rosa-Martinez1,2, Diana Vilar-Compte1, Nancy Martínez-Rivera1
1Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.
Objective:
This study aims to outline Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) trends and outcomes in Mexican healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design:
Observational study of case series.
Setting:
Sixteen public hospitals and private academic healthcare institutions across eight states in Mexico from January 2016 to December 2022.
Patients:
CDI patients.
Methods:
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of CDI patients were obtained from clinical records. Cases were classified as community or healthcare-associated infections, with incidence rates calculated as cases per 10,000 patient days. Risk factors for 30-day all-cause mortality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
We identified 2,356 CDI cases: 2,118 (90%) were healthcare-associated, and 232 (10%) were community-associated. Common comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Previous high use of proton-pump inhibitors, steroids, and antibiotics was observed. Recurrent infection occurred in 112 (5%) patients, and 30-day mortality in 371 (16%). Risk factors associated with death were a high Charlson score, prior use of steroids, concomitant use of antibiotics, leukopenia, leukocytosis, elevated serum creatine, hypoalbuminemia, septic shock or abdominal sepsis, and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. The healthcare-associated CDI incidence remained stable at 4.78 cases per 10,000 patient days during the pre-and pandemic periods. However, the incidence was higher in public hospitals.
Conclusions:
Our study underscores the need for routine epidemiology surveillance and standardized CDI classification protocols in Mexican institutions. Though CDI rates in our country align with those in some European countries, disparities between public and private healthcare sectors emphasize the importance of targeted interventions.
Insights
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a significant concern in Mexican hospitals, with healthcare-associated cases being most common. Disparities in incidence between public and private facilities highlight the need for targeted surveillance and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses a substantial threat in healthcare settings globally.
- Understanding CDI trends and outcomes is crucial for effective infection control, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.
- Mexican healthcare facilities face unique challenges in managing CDI due to varying resources and protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) trends and patient outcomes in Mexican healthcare facilities.
- To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CDI epidemiology and associated mortality.
- To identify risk factors for 30-day all-cause mortality in CDI patients within the Mexican context.
Main Methods:
- An observational study of case series was conducted across 16 public and private healthcare institutions in Mexico from 2016 to 2022.
- Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from 2,356 CDI patients.
- Incidence rates and risk factors for 30-day mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,356 CDI cases were identified, with 90% being healthcare-associated.
- Common comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, with frequent prior use of proton-pump inhibitors, steroids, and antibiotics.
- The 30-day mortality rate was 16% (371 patients), with risk factors including high Charlson score, steroid use, leukopenia, hypoalbuminemia, septic shock, and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection.
- Healthcare-associated CDI incidence remained stable (4.78 cases/10,000 patient days) but was higher in public hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Routine epidemiology surveillance and standardized CDI classification protocols are essential in Mexican healthcare institutions.
- While CDI rates are comparable to some European countries, significant disparities exist between public and private sectors.
- Targeted interventions are necessary to address the varying burden of CDI across different healthcare settings in Mexico.
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