Epidemiology, risk factors, and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection in heart and heart-lung transplant recipients

Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options

SUMMARYClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major issues in nosocomial infections. This bacterium is constantly evolving and poses complex challenges for clinicians, often encountered in real-life scenarios. In the face of CDI, we are increasingly equipped with new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies and live biotherapeutic products, which need to be thoroughly understood to fully harness their benefits. Moreover, interesting options are currently under study for the future, including bacteriophages, vaccines, and antibiotic inhibitors. Surveillance and prevention strategies continue to play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of the infection. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of epidemiological aspects, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and current and future prophylactic and therapeutic options for C. difficile infection.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterial organism that typically infects the colon, which has had its homeostasis of healthy gut microbiota disrupted by antibiotics or other interventions. Patients with kidney transplantation are a group that are susceptible to C. difficile infection (CDI) and have poorer outcomes with CDI given that they conventionally require long-term immunosuppression to minimize their risk of graft rejection, weakening their responses to infection. Recognizing the risk factors and complex pathophysiological processes that exist between immunosuppression, dysbiosis, and CDI is important when making crucial clinical decisions surrounding the management of this vulnerable patient cohort. Despite the clinical importance of this topic, there are few studies that have evaluated CDI in the context of kidney transplant recipients and other solid organ transplant populations. The current recommendations on CDI management in kidney transplant and solid organ transplant recipients are mostly extrapolated from data relating to CDI management in the general population. We provide a narrative review that discusses the available evidence examining CDI in solid organ transplant recipients, with a particular focus on the kidney transplant recipient, from the epidemiology of CDI, clinical features and implications of CDI, potential risk factors of CDI, and, ultimately, prevention and management strategies for CDI, with the aim of providing areas for future research development in this topic area.

A Systematic Literature Review on Risk Factors for and Timing of Clostridioides difficile Infection in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major public health threat. Up to 40% of patients with CDI experience recurrent CDI (rCDI), which is associated with increased morbidity. This study aimed to define an at-risk population by obtaining a detailed understanding of the different factors leading to CDI, rCDI, and CDI-related morbidity and of time to CDI.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of MEDLINE (using PubMed) and EMBASE for relevant articles published between January 1, 2016, and November 11, 2022, covering the US population.

RESULTS

Of the 1324 articles identified, 151 met prespecified inclusion criteria. Advanced patient age was a likely risk factor for primary CDI within a general population, with significant risk estimates identified in nine of 10 studies. Older age was less important in specific populations with comorbidities usually diagnosed at earlier age, such as bowel disease and cancer. In terms of comorbidities, the established factors of infection, kidney disease, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and bowel disease along with several new factors (including anemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and coagulation disorders) were likely risk factors for primary CDI. Data on diabetes, cancer, and obesity were mixed. Other primary CDI risk factors were antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, female sex, prior hospitalization, and the length of stay in hospital. Similar factors were identified for rCDI, but evidence was limited. Older age was a likely risk factor for mortality. Timing of primary CDI varied depending on the population: 2-3 weeks in patients receiving stem cell transplants, within 3 weeks for patients undergoing surgery, and generally more than 3 weeks following solid organ transplant.

CONCLUSION

This SLR uses recent evidence to define the most important factors associated with CDI, confirming those that are well established and highlighting new ones that could help to identify patient populations at high risk.

A joint program of antimicrobial stewardship and hospital-acquired infection control to reduce healthcare-associated infections after kidney transplantation: The Hipomenes study

Infection is a common complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The usefulness of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) and hospital-acquired infection control (HAIC) initiatives in the general inpatient population is well established. We performed a quasi-experimental study to evaluate a joint ASP/HAIC initiative focused on KTRs. A dedicated ASP team optimized antimicrobial prescriptions in consecutive KTRs during the intervention period (June 2015-March 2016). A multifaceted, evidence-based HAIC program was concurrently implemented. Results were compared with the preceding period (June 2014-March 2015). We included 96 and 100 KTRs in the intervention and preintervention periods, respectively. There was a reduction in the consumption of meropenem (rate ratio [RR]: 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.75; P <.0001), ceftazidime (RR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.21-0.45; P <.0001), vancomycin (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53-0.8; P <.0001), and ciprofloxacin (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55-0.81; P <.0001) and an increase of fosfomycin (RR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.17-2.76; P =.008) during the intervention period. The incidence of cystitis (RR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.28-0.33; P <.001) and upper urinary tract infection (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.95; P =.04) decreased. A specific ASP/HAIC initiative was effective in optimizing antimicrobial use and reducing the incidence of common bacterial infections among KTRs.

Gut Microbiome in Patients after Heart Transplantation-Current State of Knowledge

The human gut microbiota include over 10 trillion microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa. Many reports indicate the strong correlation between dysbiosis and the severity of cardiovascular diseases. Microbiota seem to interact with the host's alloimmunity and may have an immunomodulatory role in graft rejection processes. In our study, we present the current state of the knowledge of microbiota in heart transplant recipients. We present up-to-date microbiota diagnostic methods, interactions between microbiota and immunosuppressive drugs, the immunomodulatory effects of dysbiosis, and the available strategies (experimental and clinical strategies) to modulate host microbiota.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients after Organ Transplantation—A Narrative Overview

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The pathogenesis of this infection participates in the unstable colonization of the intestines with the physiological microbiota. Solid-organ-transplant (SOT) patients and patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are more prone to CDI compared to the general population. The main CDI risk factors in these patients are immunosuppressive therapy and frequent antibiotic use leading to dysbiosis. The current review article provides information about the risk factors, incidence and course of CDI in patients after liver, kidney, heart and lung transplantation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Incidence and Outcomes Associated With Clostridioides difficile Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the incidence and outcomes of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the CDI incidence and outcomes in SOT recipients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A population-based cohort study was conducted using administrative health care data for all Ontario, Canada, residents who received organ allografts from April 1, 2003, to December 31, 2017; March 31, 2020, was the end of the study period.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was hospital admission with CDI diagnosis. The secondary outcomes included all-cause death, intensive care unit admission, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, and fulminant CDI comprising any of the following: toxic megacolon, ileus, perforation, or colectomy. The association between short- vs long-term mortality (ie, death occurring within or after 90 days post-CDI) and the following variables was evaluated: age, sex, Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index, SOT type, early- vs late-onset CDI, fulminant CDI, intensive care unit admission, and acute kidney injury requiring acute dialysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 10 724 SOT recipients (6901 [64.4%] men; median age, 54 [IQR, 44-62] years) were eligible. Kidney transplant was the most common SOT type (6453 [60.2%]). The median follow-up time was 5.0 (IQR, 2.3-8.8) years, resulting in 61 987 person-years of follow-up. A total of 726 patients (6.8%) were hospitalized with CDI. The 1-year CDI incidence significantly increased in annual cohorts (ie, from 23.1; 95% CI, 12.8-41.8 per 1000 person-years in 2004 to 46.7; 95% CI, 35.0-62.3 per 1000 person-years in 2017; P = .001). Clostridioides difficile was associated with a 16.8% rate (n = 122) of 90-day mortality. In patients who underwent kidney transplant, CDI was typically late-onset (median interval, 2.2; IQR, 0.4-6.0 years) compared with recipients of other organs. Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was significantly associated with short-term (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.07-3.26) and long-term (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.29-2.78) mortality, and late-onset CDI was also significantly associated with a greater risk of short-term (aOR, 4.26; 95% CI, 2.51-7.22) and long-term (aHR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.78-3.49) mortality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, increasing CDI trends in annual cohorts of SOT recipients were observed. Posttransplant CDI was associated with mortality, and late-onset CDI was associated with a greater risk of death than early-onset CDI. These findings suggest that preventive strategies should not be limited to the initial months following transplantation. Comprehensive therapeutic approaches targeting acute kidney injury risk factors in SOT recipients may reduce short- and long-term post-CDI mortality.

Early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients

Lung transplantation has become an established therapy for end-stage lung diseases. Early postoperative complications can impact immediate, mid-term, and long-term outcomes. Appropriate management, prevention, and early detection of these early postoperative complications can improve the overall transplant course. In this review, we highlight the incidence, detection, and management of these early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients.

Clostridium difficile disease in solid organ transplant recipients: a recommended treatment paradigm

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Organ transplant recipients have an increased incidence of Clostridium difficile disease and lower clinical response rates compared with the general population. Transplant specific treatment approaches are not defined. Therefore, a review of therapeutics in the transplant population is needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

A literature review on the current therapies for C. difficile was performed focusing on the evidence in transplant recipients and immunosuppressed populations.

SUMMARY

Transplant patients warrant an aggressive approach to treatment. The authors propose a suggested treatment paradigm for therapy.

Clostridium difficile in Immunocompromised Hosts: A Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention

Clostridium difficile is a significant pathogen in healthcare today, impacting both hospitalized and community-based patients. Immunocompromised patients experience a high incidence of C. difficile infection, ranging from 6% to 33% in the hematology-oncology population and up to 23% among lung transplant recipients, and have a rate of 7.1-8.3 cases per 1000 patient-years in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recurrence of C. difficile infections among immunocompromised patients is also high, with rates up to 40% in both the hematology-oncology population and solid organ transplant recipients. This higher incidence of C. difficile infection and recurrence is believed to be secondary to frequent antimicrobial use, suppressed immune function, increased exposure to healthcare settings, and higher prevalence of C. difficile colonization. This review summarizes published data describing the epidemiology, risk factors for acquisition and infection, treatment, and prevention of C. difficile in hematology-oncology, solid organ transplant, and HIV-infected patients.

Management of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in solid organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice address the prevention and management of Clostridium difficile infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is among the most common hospital acquired infections. In SOT recipients, the incidence of CDI varies by type and number or organs transplanted. While a meta-analysis of published literature found the prevalence of postoperative CDI in the general surgical population to be approximately 0.51%, the prevalence of CDI that is seen in the solid organ transplant population ranges from a low of 3.2% in the pancreatic transplant population to 12.7% in those receiving multiple organ transplants. There are no randomized, controlled trials evaluating the management of CDI in the SOT population. Herein is a review and summary of the currently available literature that has been synthesized into updated treatment guidelines for the management of CDI in the SOT population.

Prevention and Treatment of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Clostridium difficile infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Risk factors in this population include frequent hospitalizations, receipt of immunosuppressive agents, and intestinal dysbiosis triggered by several factors, including exposure to broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The incidence and potential for significant adverse outcomes among solid organ transplant recipients with C difficile infection highlight the evolving need for strategic C difficile infection risk factor modification and novel approaches to disease management in this patient population. This review focuses on current concepts related to the prevention and treatment of C difficile infection in solid organ transplant recipients.

Anti-infective chemoprophylaxis after solid-organ transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at high risk of opportunistic infections due to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Anti-infective prophylaxis is a time-tested proven strategy for the prevention of these infections after SOT. Areas covered: The current recommendations for the prevention of surgical site infections, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, invasive fungal infections, and selected parasitic diseases are highlighted. Recent peer-reviewed publications on the prevention of infection after SOT were reviewed and their significance was discussed in the context of the current recommendations for preventing infectious complications. Expert commentary: The authors comment on the current approaches to infection prevention in transplant recipients, and discuss how these recommendations are implemented in their clinical practice. Notable findings published during the past year were highlighted, and their clinical significance was interpreted in the context of current recommendations. The evolution of diagnostic and immunologic assays was emphasized, with focus on their potential role in optimizing the current antimicrobial approaches to infection prevention after SOT.

A multi-institutional cohort study confirming the risks of Clostridium difficile infection associated with prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis

OBJECTIVES

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have increased rapidly over the past 2 decades, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. This study sought to characterize the incidence and risks of these infections in cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS

A total of 5158 patients at 10 Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network sites in the US and Canada participated in a prospective study of major infections after cardiac surgery. Patients were followed for infection, readmission, reoperation, or death up to 65 days after surgery. We compared clinical and demographic characteristics, surgical data, management practices, and outcomes for patients with CDI and without CDI.

RESULTS

C difficile was the third most common infection observed (0.97%) and was more common in patients with preoperative comorbidities and complex operations. Antibiotic prophylaxis for >2 days, intensive care unit stay >2 days, and postoperative hyperglycemia were associated with increased risk of CDI. The median time to onset was 17 days; 48% of infections occurred after discharge. The additional length of stay due to infection was 12 days. The readmission and mortality rates were 3-fold and 5-fold higher, respectively, in patients with CDI compared with uninfected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicenter prospective study of major infections following cardiac surgery, CDI was encountered in nearly 1% of patients, was frequently diagnosed postdischarge, and was associated with extended length of stay and substantially increased mortality. Patients with comorbidities, longer surgery time, extended antibiotic exposure, and/or hyperglycemic episodes were at increased risk for CDI.