Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Regional epidemiologic data call for enhanced attention to Clostridioides difficile infections in Italy: Results from
Fabrizio Stracci1, Camilla Gobbetti1, Gaia Baccarini1
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Public Health section, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Background:
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) Infection (CDI) is a major public health concern, causing a range of gastrointestinal diseases with increasing global incidence. In Italy, epidemiologic data on Clostridioides difficile CDI, particularly on community-acquired cases, are limited. This study aimed to provide population-based incidence data for CDI in Umbria, Italy, from 2014 to 2022, analyzing trends, demographics, recurrence rates, and 30-day all-cause mortality.
Methods:
We used laboratory data from all regional public hospitals and local health units. CDI cases were C. difficile strains growing in culture and with toxin genes. The presence of toxin genes was confirmed by Xpert C. difficile Binary Toxin testing. Cases were categorized into hospital-acquired (HA-CDI) or community-acquired (CA-CDI). Incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants per year were calculated. We analyzed incidence and 30-day mortality trends over a nine-year period. Logistic regression assessed predictors of 30-day mortality.
Results:
5955 CDI cases were identified (57.7 % female). Overall incidence increased from 48.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2014-88 cases in 2022 (CA-CDI rose from 25.2 to 39 and HA-CDI from 22.9 to 49.2). The 30-day mortality risk was 17.6 % (1045 deaths). In multivariable analysis, adjusted 30-day all-cause mortality risk was higher among HA-CDI patients compared to CA-CDI (OR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.6-2.1). 30-day mortality risk was also higher for elderly patients and male gender. Moreover, the mortality risk was stable over time. Recurrence occurred in 655 (11 %) of patients.
Conclusions:
The worrisome finding of increasing incidence of CDI in all settings, including hospital, indicates the urgency of establishing a stable surveillance system for CDIs. Considering the unfavorable trend and high mortality, measures to reduce the risk of CDI would be indicated, particularly in hospital and elderly home care settings where vulnerable patients concentrate.
More Related Videos
09:12A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
Published on: June 15, 2018
12:58A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
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...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.