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Diarrhoea associated with Clostridium difficile in a hospital population
The Medical Journal of Australia
|February 19, 1983
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) affects 14.5% of patients, with prior antibiotic use being a key risk factor. Routine culturing for C. difficile is recommended for accurate diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Understanding the incidence and risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI) is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of C. difficile disease in a general hospital population.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods for C. difficile infection.
- To identify predisposing factors for CDI.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 179 general hospital patients over six months.
- Isolation of C. difficile and detection of faecal cytotoxin.
- Assessment of other enteropathogenic bacteria.
Main Results:
- C. difficile was detected in 14.5% of patients (26/179).
- Antibiotic exposure was the primary risk factor identified.
- Faecal cytotoxin detection and invasive procedures were unreliable diagnostic indicators.
Conclusions:
- Routine culturing for C. difficile is warranted in hospital settings.
- Emphasis should be placed on organism isolation for accurate CDI diagnosis.
- Antibiotic stewardship programs are essential for CDI prevention.