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Poudel S, Ghimire M, Poudel A, Ghimire K, Shrestha K, Subedi P, Rai S. The Impact of Gastroesophageal Disease on Clostridium difficile Infection Hospitalization: A Nationwide Analysis From the United States. Cureus 2024; 16:e62223. [PMID: 38882226 PMCID: PMC11179681 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common infectious causes of healthcare-associated diarrhea and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is notable for its high prevalence, variety of clinical presentations, and underrecognized morbidity. It is widely treated with acid suppression, both with over-the-counter and prescription medications. There are no studies evaluating the impact of GERD on CDI hospitalization. In this study, we aimed to analyze the influence of concomitant GERD on patients hospitalized for CDI enterocolitis. Methodology This was a retrospective, observational study where we extracted data from 2016 to 2020 from the National Inpatient Sample database. We included all patients hospitalized with a primary discharge diagnosis of CDI with or without a secondary diagnosis of GERD. We compared the demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital outcomes between these two groups. Results This study identified 239,603 hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of CDI. Of these, 67,000 (28%) had a concurrent diagnosis of GERD. Patients with GERD had a higher prevalence of hypertension (41% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.01), hyperlipidemia (50% vs. 36.5%, p < 0.01), obesity (13.7% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.01), coronary artery disease (24.4% vs. 19.6%, p < 0.01), and chronic kidney disease (20.7% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.01). Notably, inpatient mortality was lower in CDI hospitalizations with GERD (0.66% vs. 1.46%, p < 0.01). The total hospital charge was reduced in the CDI with GERD group in comparison to the CDI without GERD group (39,599 vs. 43,589, p < 0.01). The length of hospital stay was similar between the two groups (5.3 vs. 5.4 days, p = 0.07). Regarding complications, CDI hospitalizations with GERD demonstrated lower rates of hypovolemic shock (0.5% vs. 0.73%, p = 0.06), septic shock (0.6% vs. 1.05%, p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (1.48% vs. 2.04%, p < 0.01), intestinal perforation (0.008% vs. 0.16%, p = 0.03), and lactic acidosis (0.008% vs. 0.16%, p = 0.03). Conversely, CDI patients with GERD had a higher rate of ileus (2.66% vs. 2.16%, p < 0.01). Conclusions Patients with CDI and concurrent GERD exhibited favorable in-hospital outcomes in terms of complication rates, mortality, and total hospital charges. Further research is required to comprehensively explore and validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajana Poudel
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Manoj Ghimire
- Internal Medicine, St. Barnabas Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Ayusha Poudel
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sumina Rai
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
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2
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Marlow C, Clayton JA, Minich N, Golonka G, Maruskin L, Jencson AL, Hailes JM, Choi H, Chatterjee P, Hwang M, Jinadatha C, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ, Toltzis P. Molecular Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile Colonization in Families With Infants. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae299. [PMID: 38911950 PMCID: PMC11192056 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection is a major public health hazard to adults and older children. Infants frequently excrete toxigenic C difficile asymptomatically in their stool, but their importance as a community reservoir of C difficile is uncertain. Methods Families of healthy infants were recruited at the baby's 4-month well child visit and were followed longitudinally until the baby was approximately 9 months old. Babies and mothers submitted stool or rectal swabs every 2 weeks that were cultivated for C difficile; fathers' participation was encouraged but not required. Clostridioides difficile isolates were strain-typed by fluorescent polymerase chain reaction ribotyping and by core genome multilocus sequence typing, and the number of families in whom the same strain was cultivated from >1 family member ("strain sharing") was assessed. Results Thirty families were enrolled, including 33 infants (3 sets of twins) and 30 mothers; 19 fathers also participated. Clostridioides difficile was identified in 28 of these 30 families over the course of the study, and strain sharing was identified in 17 of these 28. In 3 families, 2 separate strains were shared. The infant was involved in 17 of 20 instances of strain sharing, and in 13 of these, the baby was identified first, with or without a concomitantly excreting adult. Excretion of shared strains usually was persistent. Conclusions Clostridioides difficile strain sharing was frequent in healthy families caring for an infant, increasing the likelihood that asymptomatically excreting babies and their families represent a reservoir of the organism in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marlow
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason A Clayton
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nori Minich
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Annette L Jencson
- Infectious Diseases Section (CJD) and Research Service (ALJ, JMH, JLC), Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer M Hailes
- Infectious Diseases Section (CJD) and Research Service (ALJ, JMH, JLC), Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hosoon Choi
- Department of Medicine (CJ) and Department of Research (HC, PC, MH), Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine (CJ) and Department of Research (HC, PC, MH), Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Munok Hwang
- Department of Medicine (CJ) and Department of Research (HC, PC, MH), Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Chetan Jinadatha
- Department of Medicine (CJ) and Department of Research (HC, PC, MH), Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer L Cadnum
- Infectious Diseases Section (CJD) and Research Service (ALJ, JMH, JLC), Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Infectious Diseases Section (CJD) and Research Service (ALJ, JMH, JLC), Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Philip Toltzis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Skally M, Bennett K, Humphreys H, Fitzpatrick F. Rethinking Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) surveillance definitions based on changing healthcare utilisation and a more realistic incubation period: reviewing data from a tertiary-referral hospital, Ireland, 2012 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300335. [PMID: 38333935 PMCID: PMC10853979 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.6.2300335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCommunity-associated Clostridioides difficile infections (CA-CDI) have increased worldwide. Patients with CDI-related symptoms occurring < 48 hours after hospitalisation and no inpatient stay 12 weeks prior are classified as CA-CDI, regardless of hospital day attendances 3 months before CDI onset. Healthcare-associated (HA) CDIs include those with symptom onset ≥ 48 hours post hospitalisation.AimTo consider an incubation period more reflective of CDI, and changing healthcare utilisation, we measured how varying surveillance specifications to categorise patients according to their CDI origin resulted in changes in patients' distribution among CDI origin categories.MethodsNew CDI cases between 2012-2021 from our hospital were reviewed. For patients with CA-CDI, hospital day attendances in the 3 months prior were recorded. CA-CDI patients with hospital day attendances and recently discharged CDI patients (RD-CDI; CDI onset 4-12 weeks after discharge) were combined into a new 'healthcare-exposure' category (HE-CDI). Time from hospitalisation to disease onset was varied and the midpoint between optimal and balanced cut-offs was used instead of 48 hours to categorise HA-CDI.ResultsOf 1,047 patients, 801 (76%) were HA-CDI, 205 (20%) CA-CDI and 41 (4%) were RD-CDI. Of the CA-CDI cohort, 45 (22%) met recent HE-CDI criteria and, when reassigned, reduced CA-CDI to 15%. Sensitivity analysis indicated a day 4 cut-off for assigning HA-CDI. Applying this led to 46 HA-CDI reassigned as CA-CDI. Applying both HE and day 4 criteria led to 72% HA-CDI, 20% CA-CDI, and 8% HE-CDI (previously RD-CDI).ConclusionCDI surveillance specifications reflecting healthcare exposure and an incubation period more characteristic of C. difficile may improve targeted CDI prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairead Skally
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first/last authorship
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hilary Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first/last authorship
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Tartof SY, Schmidt MA, Contreras R, Angulo FJ, Florea A, Barreras JL, Donald J, Zamparo J, Grant DL, Shuster E, Gonzalez E, Kuntz JL. Burden of Medically Attended Diarrhea and Outpatient Clostridioides difficile Infection Among Persons in 2 Large Integrated Healthcare Settings, 2016-2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad680. [PMID: 38250203 PMCID: PMC10798856 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in the community setting is increasing. We describe testing for CDI among patients with medically attended diarrhea (MAD) in the outpatient setting, and the incidence of outpatient CDI. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study among members ≥18 years of age from Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Kaiser Permanente Northwest from 1 January 2016 through 31 December 2021. MAD was identified by outpatient diarrheal International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes, and CDI through positive laboratory results. Outpatient CDI was defined by no hospitalization ≤7 days after specimen collection. Incidence rates (IRs) of outpatient CDI were stratified by select demographic and clinical variables. Outpatient CDI burden 12 months following index date was measured by CDI-associated healthcare visits, and CDI testing and treatment. Results We identified 777 533 MAD episodes; 12.1% (93 964/777 533) were tested for CDI. Of those tested, 10.8% (10 110/93 964) were positive. Outpatient CDI IR was 51.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.8-52.2) per 100 000 person-years, decreasing from 58.2 (95% CI, 55.7-60.7) in 2016 to 45.7 (95% CI, 43.7-47.8) in 2021. Approximately 44% (n = 4200) received an antibiotic 30 days prior to index date and 84.1% (n = 8006) CDIs were "community-associated" (no hospitalizations 12 weeks prior to index date). Of outpatient CDIs, 6.7% (n = 526) had a CDI-associated hospitalization ≤12 months. Conclusions There was a high incidence of outpatient CDI despite infrequent CDI testing among patients with MAD. The majority of those with outpatient CDI had no recent antibiotic use and no recent hospitalization. Further studies are needed to understand the source and management of medically attended outpatient CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Y Tartof
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Mark A Schmidt
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
- Science Programs Department, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Richard Contreras
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Frederick J Angulo
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Ana Florea
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Joanna L Barreras
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Judy Donald
- Science Programs Department, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joann Zamparo
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Deborah Ling Grant
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Shuster
- Science Programs Department, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Elisa Gonzalez
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Inc, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kuntz
- Science Programs Department, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Redding LE, Habing GG, Tu V, Bittinger KL, O’Day J, Pancholi P, Wang SH, Alexander A, Kelly BJ, Weese JS, Stull JW. Infrequent intrahousehold transmission of Clostridioides difficile between pet owners and their pets. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:341-351. [PMID: 36779297 PMCID: PMC10175142 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Companion animals have been shown to carry Clostridioides difficile strains that are similar or identical to strains found in people, and a small number of studies have shown that pets carry genetically identical C. difficile isolates as their owners, suggesting inter-species transmission. However, the directionality of transmission is ultimately unknown, and the frequency with which animals acquire C. difficile following their owners' infection is unclear. The goal of this study was to assess how often pets belonging to people with C. difficile infection carry genetically related C. difficile isolates. We enrolled pet owners from two medical institutions (University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC)) who had diarrhoea with or without positive C. difficile assays and tested their faeces and their pets' faeces for C. difficile using both anaerobic culture and PCR assays. When microorganisms were obtained from both the owner and pet and had the same toxin profile or ribotype, isolates underwent genomic sequencing. Faecal samples were obtained from a total of 59 humans, 72 dogs and 9 cats, representing 47 complete households (i.e. where a sample was available from the owner and at least one pet). Of these, C. difficile was detected in 30 humans, 10 dogs and 0 cats. There were only two households where C. difficile was detected in both the owner and pet. In one of these households, the C. difficile isolates were of different toxin profiles/ribotypes (A+/B+ / RT 499 from the owner, A-/B- / RT PR22386 from the dog). In the other household, the isolates were genetically identical (one SNP difference). Interestingly, the dog from this household had recently received a course of antibiotics (cefpodoxime and metronidazole). Our findings suggest that inter-species transmission of C. difficile occurs infrequently in households with human C. difficile infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E. Redding
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA
| | - Greg G. Habing
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Vincent Tu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kyle L. Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jack O’Day
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Preeti Pancholi
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Shu-Hua Wang
- Infectious Disease Division, Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Global One Health initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Andrew Alexander
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Brendan J. Kelly
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jason W. Stull
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Schroeder CP, Hengel RL, Nathan RV, Ritter TE, Obi EN, Lancaster C, Van Anglen LJ, Garey KW. Appropriate cleaning reduces potential risk of spore transmission from patients with Clostridioides difficile infection treated in outpatient infusion centers. Anaerobe 2022; 77:102617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Durant DJ, Young CG. Can Emergency Department Wait Times Predict Rates of Hospital-Acquired Clostridioides difficile Infection? A Study of Acute Care Facilities in New York State. J Patient Saf 2022; 18:e508-e513. [PMID: 34009865 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clostridioides difficile is the most common hospital-acquired pathogen and persists in the environment for extended periods. As a common entry point for patients with diarrhea, and a setting providing fast-paced, high-volume care, emergency departments (EDs) are often sites of C. difficile contamination. This study examined the relationship between average patient wait times in the ED before admission and overall hospital-acquired C. difficile infection (HA-CDI) rates in New York State acute care hospitals. METHODS A random-effects regression analysis compared each facility's annual average ED wait time for admitted patients with that facility's average (HA-CDI) rates for patients entering through the ED. This model controlled for known clinical and nonclinical predictors of HA-CDI: average length of stay; case mix index; total discharges, a measure of hospital size; and percent Medicare discharges, a proxy for advanced age. RESULTS Emergency department wait times had a significant and positive relationship with HA-CDI rates. Facilities experience an additional 0.002 cases of HA-CDI per 1000 patient discharges with every additional minute patients spend in the ED (P = 0.003), on average. Emergency department wait times also had the largest effect size (0.210), indicating that they explain more of the variance in HA-CDI rates for patients entering through the ED than some of the best-known predictors of HA-CDI. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between ED wait times and eventual HA-CDI warrants further exploration. These findings suggest efforts to reduce ED wait times for admitted patients or more rigorous environmental cleanliness strategies in the ED, as possible avenues for HA-CDI prevention.
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Alhmidi H, Cadnum JL, Koganti S, Jencson AL, Wilson BM, Donskey CJ. Shedding of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli during outpatient appointments and procedures outside hospital rooms. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:991-994. [PMID: 33713732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited information is available on the frequency of and risk factors for shedding of health care-associated pathogens in settings outside patient rooms. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of hospitalized or recently discharged patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (N = 39) or multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) (N = 11) colonization to determine the frequency of environmental shedding during appointments outside hospital rooms or during outpatient clinic visits. Chi-square tests were performed to identify patient-level factors associated with environmental shedding. Spa typing was performed for environmental and nasal MRSA isolates. RESULTS Of 50 patients enrolled, 39 were colonized with MRSA and 11 with MDR-GNB. Shedding during 1 or more appointments occurred more often for patients colonized with MRSA versus MDR-GNB (15 of 39, 38.5% versus 0 of 11, 0%; P = .02). The presence of a wound with a positive culture for MRSA was associated with shedding of MRSA during appointments (11 of 15, 73.3% with shedding versus 4 of 24, 16.7% with no shedding; P = .008). Eighty percent of environmental MRSA isolates were genetically related to concurrent nasal isolates based on spa typing. CONCLUSIONS Environmental shedding of MRSA occurs frequently during appointments outside hospital rooms or during outpatient clinic visits. Decontamination of surfaces and strategies that reduce shedding of MRSA could reduce the risk for transmission in these settings.
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Microbial bioburden of inpatient and outpatient areas beyond patient hospital rooms. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:1017-1021. [PMID: 34294185 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of environmental contamination in hospital areas outside patient rooms and in outpatient healthcare facilities. DESIGN Culture survey. SETTING This study was conducted across 4 hospitals, 4 outpatient clinics, and 1 surgery center. METHODS We conducted 3 point-prevalence culture surveys for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Clostridioides difficile, Candida spp, and gram-negative bacilli including Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in each facility. In hospitals, high-touch surfaces were sampled from radiology, physical therapy, and mobile equipment and in emergency departments, waiting rooms, clinics, and endoscopy facilities. In outpatient facilities, surfaces were sampled in exam rooms including patient and provider areas, patient bathrooms, and waiting rooms and from portable equipment. Fluorescent markers were placed on high-touch surfaces and removal was assessed 1 day later. RESULTS In the hospitals, 110 (9.4%) of 1,195 sites were positive for 1 or more bacterial pathogens (range, 5.3%-13.7% for the 4 hospitals) and 70 (5.9%) were positive for Candida spp (range, 3.7%-5.9%). In outpatient facilities, 31 of 485 (6.4%) sites were positive for 1 or more bacterial pathogens (range, 2% to 14.4% for the 5 outpatient facilities) and 50 (10.3%) were positive for Candida spp (range, 3.9%-23.3%). Fluorescent markers had been removed from 33% of sites in hospitals (range, 28.4%-39.7%) and 46.3% of sites in outpatient clinics (range, 7.4%-82.8%). CONCLUSIONS Surfaces in hospitals outside patient rooms and in outpatient facilities are frequently contaminated with healthcare-associated pathogens. Improvements in cleaning and disinfection practices are needed to reduce contamination.
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Durant DJ. Can patient-reported room cleanliness measures predict hospital-acquired C. difficile infection? A study of acute care facilities in New York state. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:452-457. [PMID: 32889067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient experience measures, like those form the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare providers and Systems survey, are increasingly used in healthcare policy decisions. However, it remains unclear if these reflect quality of care, like rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This study examined the relationship between patient-reported room cleanliness, from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare providers and Systems survey, and hospital-acquired C. difficile infection (HA-CDI) rates in NYS acute care hospitals. METHODS A random-effects regression analysis compared the percentage of patients indicating their room was "always" and "sometimes/never" kept clean to that facility's average HA-CDI rates, controlling for known predictors. RESULTS A higher percentage of patients reporting their room was "always" kept clean was associated with significantly lower rates of HA-CDI. Facilities experience 0.031 fewer cases of HA-CDI/1,000 discharges for every percentage point increase in the number of patients rating their room as "always" clean (P = .006). A higher percentage of patients reporting their room was "sometimes/never" kept clean was associated with higher rates of HA-CDI (β = 0.033), but this was not significant (P = .096). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest patient perceptions of cleanliness may reflect microbial cleanliness and these measures could assist in the prevention of HAIs. However, further research is needed.
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11
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Long-term care facility residents with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage disseminate MRSA and viral surrogate markers to surfaces outside their rooms. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:1018-1019. [PMID: 33766153 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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12
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Chen YS, Chen IB, Pham G, Shao TY, Bangar H, Way SS, Haslam DB. IL-17-producing γδ T cells protect against Clostridium difficile infection. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2377-2390. [PMID: 31990686 PMCID: PMC7190913 DOI: 10.1172/jci127242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection is a growing cause of human morbidity and mortality, especially after antibiotic use in health care settings. The natural immunity of newborn infants and protective host immune mediators against C. difficile infection are not fully understood, with data suggesting that inflammation can be either protective or pathogenic. Here, we show an essential role for IL-17A produced by γδ T cells in host defense against C. difficile infection. Fecal extracts from children with C. difficile infection showed increased IL-17A and T cell receptor γ chain expression, and IL-17 production by intestinal γδ T cells was efficiently induced after infection in mice. C. difficile-induced tissue inflammation and mortality were markedly increased in mice deficient in IL-17A or γδ T cells. Neonatal mice, with naturally expanded RORγt+ γδ T cells poised for IL-17 production were resistant to C. difficile infection, whereas elimination of γδ T cells or IL-17A each efficiently overturned neonatal resistance against infection. These results reveal an expanded role for IL-17-producing γδ T cells in neonatal host defense against infection and provide a mechanistic explanation for the clinically observed resistance of infants to C. difficile colitis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Clostridioides difficile/immunology
- Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/genetics
- Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/immunology
- Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/pathology
- Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/prevention & control
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-17/genetics
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Shiuan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Iuan-Bor Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Giang Pham
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Shao
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Hansraj Bangar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sing Sing Way
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - David B. Haslam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Read ME, Olson AJ, Calderwood MS. Front-line education by infection preventionists helps reduce Clostridioides difficile infections. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:227-229. [PMID: 31515098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
When implementing the latest innovations to reduce health care-associated infections, it is important not to overlook basic infection prevention principles such as hand hygiene, isolation precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and cleaning and low-level disinfection. Like many facilities, we implemented a multifaceted approach to reduce hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections. In this paper, we share simple tools that we found helpful in improving infection prevention practices by addressing knowledge gaps among staff, visitors, and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Read
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH.
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14
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Simecka JW, Fulda KG, Pulse M, Lee JH, Vitucci J, Nguyen P, Taylor P, Filipetto F, Espinoza AM, Sharma S. Primary care clinics can be a source of exposure to virulent Clostridium (now Clostridioides) difficile: An environmental screening study of hospitals and clinics in Dallas-Fort Worth region. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220646. [PMID: 31415582 PMCID: PMC6695158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
C. difficile is an endospore-forming pathogen, which is becoming a common cause of microbial health-care associated gastrointestinal disease in the United States. Both healthy and symptomatic patients can shed C. difficile spores into the environment, which can survive for long periods, being resistant to desiccation, heat, and disinfectants. In healthcare facilities, environmental contamination with C. difficile is a major concern as a potential source of exposure to this pathogen and risk of disease in susceptible patients. Although hospital-acquired infection is recognized, community-acquired infection is an increasingly recognized health problem. Primary care clinics may be a significant source of exposure to this pathogen; however, there are limited data about presence of environmental C. difficile within clinics. To address the potential for primary care clinics as a source of environmental exposure to virulent C. difficile, we measured the frequency of environmental contamination with spores in clinic examination rooms and hospital rooms in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas. The ribotypes and presence of toxin genes from some environmental isolates were compared. Our results indicate primary care clinics have higher frequencies of contamination than hospitals. After notification of the presence of C. difficile spores in the clinics and an educational discussion to emphasize the importance of this infection and methods of infection prevention, environmental contamination in clinics was reduced on subsequent sampling to that found in hospitals. Thus, primary care clinics can be a source of exposure to virulent C. difficile, and recognition of this possibility can result in improved infection prevention, potentially reducing community-acquired C. difficile infections and subsequent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry W. Simecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and UNT Preclinical Services, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kimberly G. Fulda
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
- The North Texas Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (NorTex), University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Mark Pulse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and UNT Preclinical Services, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Joon-hak Lee
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - John Vitucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and UNT Preclinical Services, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Phung Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and UNT Preclinical Services, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Patricia Taylor
- The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation, Irving, TX, United States of America
| | - Frank Filipetto
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
- The North Texas Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (NorTex), University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Anna M. Espinoza
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
- The North Texas Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (NorTex), University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Sushma Sharma
- The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation, Irving, TX, United States of America
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15
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Fuchs BB, Tharmalingam N, Mylonakis E. Vulnerability of long-term care facility residents to Clostridium difficile infection due to microbiome disruptions. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:1537-1547. [PMID: 30311778 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging presents a significant risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). A disproportionate number of CDIs affect individuals in long-term care facilities compared with the general population, likely due to the vulnerable nature of the residents and shared environment. Review of the literature cites a number of underlying medical conditions such as the use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, chemotherapy, renal disease and feeding tubes as risk factors. These conditions alter the intestinal environment through direct bacterial killing, changes to pH that influence bacterial stabilities or growth, or influence nutrient availability that direct population profiles. In this review, we examine some of the contributing risk factors for elderly associated CDI and the toll they take on the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School & Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - Nagendran Tharmalingam
- Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School & Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School & Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
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16
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Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) infection is the most frequently identified health care-associated infection in the United States. C difficile has also emerged as a cause of community-associated diarrhea, resulting in increased incidence of community-associated infection. Clinical illness ranges in severity from mild diarrhea to fulminant colitis and death. Appropriate management of infection requires understanding of the various diagnostic assays and therapeutic options as well as relevant measures to infection prevention. This article provides updated recommendations regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of incident and recurrent C difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Y Guh
- From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. (A.Y.G., P.K.K.)
| | - Preeta K Kutty
- From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. (A.Y.G., P.K.K.)
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Durovic A, Widmer AF, Tschudin-Sutter S. New insights into transmission of Clostridium difficile infection-narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:483-492. [PMID: 29427800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, Clostridium difficile has been considered a typical healthcare-associated pathogen-that is, one transmitted within healthcare facilities and thus prevented by implementation of standard infection control measures. Recently this concept has been challenged by studies suggesting a relevant role for community acquisition of C. difficile. AIMS To discusses the current literature, compiled during the last decade, reporting on sources of acquisition of C. difficile and subsequent transmission. SOURCES The databases PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles published from 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2017 reporting on possible transmission pathways of C. difficile and/or suggesting a source of acquisition of C. difficile. All study types reporting on adult populations were considered; case reports and series were excluded. The PRISMA guidelines for the reporting of systematic reviews were followed. CONTENT Among 24 original articles included, 63% report on transmission of C. difficile in healthcare settings and 37% investigate sources and transmission of C. difficile in the community. Contact with symptomatic carriers (53.3%), the hospital environment (40.0%) and asymptomatic carriers (20%) were the most commonly reported transmission pathways within healthcare settings. The leading sources for acquisition of C. difficile in the community include direct contact with symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers in the community, including infants (30%) and residents of long-term non-acute care facilities (30%), followed by contact with contaminated environments in outpatient care settings (20%) and exposure to livestock or livestock farms (20%). IMPLICATIONS In healthcare settings, future control efforts may need to focus on extending cleaning and disinfection procedures beyond the immediate surroundings of symptomatic carriers. Potential targets to prevent acquisition of C. difficile in the community include household settings, long-term care facilities and outpatient settings, while the role of livestock in entertaining transmission requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Durovic
- Medical University Department, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - A F Widmer
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Tschudin-Sutter
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Guh AY, Adkins SH, Li Q, Bulens SN, Farley MM, Smith Z, Holzbauer SM, Whitten T, Phipps EC, Hancock EB, Dumyati G, Concannon C, Kainer MA, Rue B, Lyons C, Olson DM, Wilson L, Perlmutter R, Winston LG, Parker E, Bamberg W, Beldavs ZG, Ocampo V, Karlsson M, Gerding DN, McDonald LC. Risk Factors for Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults: A Case-Control Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx171. [PMID: 29732377 PMCID: PMC5903408 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing proportion of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in the United States are community-associated (CA). We conducted a case-control study to identify CA-CDI risk factors. METHODS We enrolled participants from 10 US sites during October 2014-March 2015. Case patients were defined as persons age ≥18 years with a positive C. difficile specimen collected as an outpatient or within 3 days of hospitalization who had no admission to a health care facility in the prior 12 weeks and no prior CDI diagnosis. Each case patient was matched to one control (persons without CDI). Participants were interviewed about relevant exposures; multivariate conditional logistic regression was performed. RESULTS Of 226 pairs, 70.4% were female and 52.2% were ≥60 years old. More case patients than controls had prior outpatient health care (82.1% vs 57.9%; P < .0001) and antibiotic (62.2% vs 10.3%; P < .0001) exposures. In multivariate analysis, antibiotic exposure-that is, cephalosporin (adjusted matched odds ratio [AmOR], 19.02; 95% CI, 1.13-321.39), clindamycin (AmOR, 35.31; 95% CI, 4.01-311.14), fluoroquinolone (AmOR, 30.71; 95% CI, 2.77-340.05) and beta-lactam and/or beta-lactamase inhibitor combination (AmOR, 9.87; 95% CI, 2.76-340.05),-emergency department visit (AmOR, 17.37; 95% CI, 1.99-151.22), white race (AmOR 7.67; 95% CI, 2.34-25.20), cardiac disease (AmOR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.20-19.80), chronic kidney disease (AmOR, 12.12; 95% CI, 1.24-118.89), and inflammatory bowel disease (AmOR, 5.13; 95% CI, 1.27-20.79) were associated with CA-CDI. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics remain an important risk factor for CA-CDI, underscoring the importance of appropriate outpatient prescribing. Emergency departments might be an environmental source of CDI; further investigation of their contribution to CDI transmission is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Y Guh
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Hocevar Adkins
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qunna Li
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sandra N Bulens
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Monica M Farley
- Emory University Department of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia Emerging Infections Program, Decatur, Georgia
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zirka Smith
- Georgia Emerging Infections Program, Decatur, Georgia
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Stacy M Holzbauer
- Minnesota Department of Health, St Paul, Minnesota
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tory Whitten
- Minnesota Department of Health, St Paul, Minnesota
| | - Erin C Phipps
- University of New Mexico, New Mexico Emerging Infections Program, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Emily B Hancock
- University of New Mexico, New Mexico Emerging Infections Program, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Ghinwa Dumyati
- New York Emerging Infections Program and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Cathleen Concannon
- New York Emerging Infections Program and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Brenda Rue
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Carol Lyons
- Yale School of Public Health, Connecticut Emerging Infections Program, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Danyel M Olson
- Yale School of Public Health, Connecticut Emerging Infections Program, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lucy Wilson
- Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Lisa G Winston
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Erin Parker
- California Emerging Infections Program, Oakland, California
| | - Wendy Bamberg
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, Colorado
| | | | | | - Maria Karlsson
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dale N Gerding
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
- Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois
| | - L Clifford McDonald
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Nosocomial-acquired and community-onset Clostridium difficile infection at an academic hospital in Italy: Epidemiology, recurrences and toxin genes distribution. J Infect Chemother 2017; 23:763-768. [PMID: 28899610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Toxinogenic Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea. In this retrospective cohort study the molecular epidemiology of hospital-acquired and community-associated CDI was investigated in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. CD in stools samples was revealed by a two steps diagnostic algorithm, firstly screening for positivity to GDH antigen and thereafter RT-PCR analysis. Increased CDI incidence was observed ranging from 1.70episodes/10000patient-days in the 1st year, to 2.62 in the 2nd year, mostly hospitalized in the medicine wards, followed by outpatients (5.74 and 5.12episodes/10.000patient-days respectively). CDI positive were older than CDI negative patients and presented increased trend of diarrhea episodes as the patients' age increased. RT-PCR positive patients (n° = 314) were classified according to the CD toxin producing genes in three groups (1-3, carrying tcdB, both tcdB and cdt, and the two genes plus the deletion Δ117 of tcdC, respectively). The incidence of the group 2 and 3 increased statistically with the age of the patients showing correlation with the gender. Higher frequency of patients belonging to group 1 and group 3 was observed in the medical wards. Of note was the high incidence of group 3 in outpatients. Interestingly, patients with previous health care contacts had higher risk (RR = 1.88) of being infected by CD strains with higher toxicity than community patients. Recurrence rate was 15.9%. In conclusion the knowledge of the toxigenic profiles and of their relationships to gender, age and wards distribution may help the clinicians in the clinical management of the disease.
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20
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Abstract
Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) have emerged as one of the principal threats to the health of hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The importance of C difficile colonization is increasingly recognized not only as a source for false-positive clinical testing but also as a source of new infections within hospitals and other health care environments. In the last five years, several new treatment strategies that capitalize on the increasing understanding of the altered microbiome and host defenses in patients with CDI have completed clinical trials, including fecal microbiota transplantation. This article highlights the changing epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, pathogenesis, and treatment of CDI.
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21
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Bloomfield LE, Riley TV. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection: A Narrative Review. Infect Dis Ther 2016; 5:231-51. [PMID: 27370914 PMCID: PMC5019973 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-016-0117-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was once considered a primarily nosocomial concern. Emerging evidence from the last 20 years has highlighted a drastic shift in the known epidemiology of CDI, with disease outside of hospitals apparently occurring more frequently and causing severe disease in populations that were thought to be at low risk. This narrative review summarises potential pathways for infection outside of the hospital environment and highlights likely routes of transmission. Further, evidence is presented on potential risk factors for development of disease. Understanding the epidemiology of CDI outside of hospitals is essential to the ability to prevent and control disease in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Bloomfield
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Western Australian Department of Health, Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, Shenton Park, WA, Australia
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, 6027, WA, Australia.
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, 6150, WA, Australia.
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22
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Clostridium difficile infection: epidemiology, diagnosis and understanding transmission. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 13:206-16. [PMID: 26956066 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) continues to affect patients in hospitals and communities worldwide. The spectrum of clinical disease ranges from mild diarrhoea to toxic megacolon, colonic perforation and death. However, this bacterium might also be carried asymptomatically in the gut, potentially leading to 'silent' onward transmission. Modern technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing and multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis, are helping to track C. difficile transmission across health-care facilities, countries and continents, offering the potential to illuminate previously under-recognized sources of infection. These typing strategies have also demonstrated heterogeneity in terms of CDI incidence and strain types reflecting different stages of epidemic spread. However, comparison of CDI epidemiology, particularly between countries, is challenging due to wide-ranging approaches to sampling and testing. Diagnostic strategies for C. difficile are complicated both by the wide range of bacterial targets and tests available and the need to differentiate between toxin-producing and non-toxigenic strains. Multistep diagnostic algorithms have been recommended to improve sensitivity and specificity. In this Review, we describe the latest advances in the understanding of C. difficile epidemiology, transmission and diagnosis, and discuss the effect of these developments on the clinical management of CDI.
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23
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Acquisition of Clostridium difficile on Hands of Healthcare Personnel Caring for Patients with Resolved C. difficile Infection. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016; 37:475-7. [PMID: 26795900 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2015.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In an observational study, we found that healthcare personnel frequently acquired Clostridium difficile on their hands when caring for patients with recently resolved C. difficile infection (CDI) (<6 weeks after treatment) who were no longer under contact precautions. Continuing contact precautions after diarrhea resolves may be useful to reduce transmission.
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24
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Low incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients treated with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015; 36:110-2. [PMID: 25627769 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2014.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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25
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is increasingly diagnosed in children in community settings. This study aims to assess recent antibiotic use and other risk factors in children with community-associated (CA-) CDAD compared with children with other diarrheal illnesses in a tertiary care setting. METHODS Children with CA-CDAD evaluated at Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX) from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 were identified. Two control subjects with community-associated diarrhea who tested negative for C. difficile were matched to case subjects. Data on demographics, medication exposure and outpatient healthcare encounters were collected from medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of pediatric CA-CDAD. RESULTS Of 69 CA-CDAD cases, most (62.3%) had an underlying chronic medical condition and 40.6% had antibiotic exposure within 30 days of illness. However, no traditional risk factor for CDAD was identified in 23.2% and 15.9% of CA-CDAD cases within 30 and 90 days of illness onset, respectively. Outpatient healthcare encounters within 30 days were more common among CA-CDAD cases than control subjects (66.7% vs. 48.6%; P = 0.01). In the final multivariate model, CA-CDAD was associated with cephalosporin use within 30 days [odds ratio: 3.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-10.01] and the presence of a gastrointestinal feeding device (odds ratio: 2.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-6.30). CONCLUSIONS Recent use of cephalosporins and the presence of gastrointestinal feeding devices are important risk factors for community- associated CDAD in children. Reduction in the use of outpatient antibiotics may decrease the burden of CA-CDAD in children.
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26
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Wenzler E, Mulugeta SG, Danziger LH. The Antimicrobial Stewardship Approach to Combating Clostridium Difficile. Antibiotics (Basel) 2015; 4:198-215. [PMID: 27025621 PMCID: PMC4790327 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics4020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile remains a major public health threat and continues to contribute to excess morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Antimicrobial stewardship programs have demonstrated success in combating C. difficile, primarily through antibiotic restrictive strategies. As the incidence and prevalence of C. difficile associate disease continues to increase both in the hospital and community setting, additional stewardship approaches are needed. This manuscript reviews stewardship interventions that have been successful against C. difficile associated disease and proposes future tactics that antimicrobial stewardship programs may employ to develop a more global approach to combat this difficult pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wenzler
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Surafel G Mulugeta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Larry H Danziger
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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27
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Gerding DN, Lessa FC. The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection inside and outside health care institutions. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2015; 29:37-50. [PMID: 25582647 PMCID: PMC10924674 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the global changes in Clostridium difficile epidemiology since the late twentieth century and into the twenty-first century when the new epidemic strain BI/NAP1/027 emerged. The article provides an overview of how understanding of C difficile epidemiology has rapidly evolved since its initial association with colitis in 1974. It also discusses how C difficile has spread across the globe, the role of asymptomatic carriers in disease transmission, the increased recognition of C difficile outside health care settings, the changes in epidemiology of C difficile infection in children, and the risk factors for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale N Gerding
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 S 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, 5000 South Fifth Avenue, Building 1, Room 347, Hines, IL 60141, USA.
| | - Fernanda C Lessa
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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28
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Accuracy of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 82:4-10. [PMID: 25752201 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) is currently used as standalone diagnostic test for C. difficile infection (CDI). We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of LAMP for the diagnosis of CDI. We searched 5 databases to identify studies that compared LAMP with culture cytotoxicity neutralization assay or anaerobic toxigenic culture (TC) of C. difficile. We used the random-effects model to calculate pooled sensitivities, specificities, diagnostic odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The search of the databases yielded 16 studies (6979 samples) that met inclusion criteria. When TC was used as the gold standard (6572 samples), bivariate analysis yielded a mean sensitivity of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.97; I(2)=67.4) and a mean specificity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.96-1.00; I(2)=97.0). LAMP is a useful diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting CDI. The results should, however, be interpreted only in the presence of clinical suspicion and symptoms of CDI.
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29
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Abstract
Asymptomatic carriage of toxigenic strains of Clostridium difficile is common in health care facilities and the community. However, infection control efforts have traditionally focused almost entirely on symptomatic patients. There is now growing concern that asymptomatic carriers may be an underappreciated source of transmission. This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of C difficile colonization, reviews the evidence that asymptomatic carriers shed spores and contribute to transmission, and examines practical issues related to prevention of transmission from carriers.
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Barra-Carrasco J, Paredes-Sabja D. Clostridium difficile spores: a major threat to the hospital environment. Future Microbiol 2014; 9:475-86. [PMID: 24810347 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, anaerobic spore former and is an important nosocomial and community-acquired pathogenic bacterium. C. difficile infections (CDI) are a leading cause of infections worldwide with elevated rates of morbidity. Despite the fact that two major virulence factors, the enterotoxin TcdA and the cytotoxin TcdB, are essential in the development of CDI, C. difficile spores are the main vehicle of infection, and persistence and transmission of CDI and are thought to play an essential role in episodes of CDI recurrence and horizontal transmission. Recent research has unmasked several properties of C. difficile's unique strategy to form highly transmissible spores and to persist in the colonic environment. Therefore, the aim of this article is to summarize recent advances in the biological properties of C. difficile spores, which might be clinically relevant to improve the management of CDI in hospital environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Barra-Carrasco
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos de Patogénesis Bacteriana, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 217, Santiago, Chile
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Vassallo A, Tran MCN, Goldstein EJC. Clostridium difficile: improving the prevention paradigm in healthcare settings. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:1087-102. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.942284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Vassallo
- Department of Infection Prevention, Providence Saint John’s Health Center,
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Mai-Chi N Tran
- Department of Pharmacy, Providence Saint John’s Health Center,
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Ellie JC Goldstein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Providence Saint John’s Health Center,
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
- The UCLA School of Medicine,
Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- The R M Alden Research Laboratory,
Santa Monica CA, 90404, USA
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Siani H, Maillard JY. Best practice in healthcare environment decontamination. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 34:1-11. [PMID: 25060802 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is now strong evidence that surface contamination is linked to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Cleaning and disinfection should be sufficient to decrease the microbial bioburden from surfaces in healthcare settings, and, overall, help in decreasing infections. It is, however, not necessarily the case. Evidence suggests that there is a link between educational interventions and a reduction in infections. To improve the overall efficacy and appropriate usage of disinfectants, manufacturers need to engage with the end users in providing clear claim information and product usage instructions. This review provides a clear analysis of the scientific evidence supporting the role of surfaces in HCAIs and the role of education in decreasing such infections. It also examines the debate opposing the use of cleaning versus disinfection in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Siani
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - J-Y Maillard
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK.
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Borkow G, Assadian O. Survival of Microorganisms on Inanimate Surfaces. USE OF BIOCIDAL SURFACES FOR REDUCTION OF HEALTHCARE ACQUIRED INFECTIONS 2014. [PMCID: PMC7123372 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-08057-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In healthcare settings microbial contaminated surfaces play an important role in indirect transmission of infection. Especially surfaces close to the patients’ environment may be touched at high frequencies, allowing transmission from animated sources to others via contaminated inanimate surfaces. Therefore, the knowledge on the survival of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa on surfaces, and hence, in a broader sense, in the human environment, is important for implementing tactics for prevention of Healthcare-acquired Infections (HAI). This chapter will elaborate the role of surfaces in the transmission of pathogens. Particular emphasis is laid on the current knowledge of the survival time and conditions favouring survival of the pathogens. Finally, mechanisms of transmission from inanimate surfaces to patients are highlighted. Within the multi-barrier strategy of the prevention of HAI, environmental disinfection policies should be based on risk assessments for surfaces with different risks for cross contamination such as high- and low-touched surfaces with appropriate standards for adequate disinfection measures under consideration of the persistence and infectious dose of the pathogens. As a result, surface disinfection is indicated in the following situations:Frequently touched surfaces adjacent to patients Surfaces with assumed or visible contamination Terminal disinfection in rooms or areas where infected or colonized patients with easily transferable nosocomial pathogens are cared for, and in outbreak situations.
Furthermore, the knowledge of the persistence of pathogens will also support ensuring the biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories, food-handling settings, and for hygienic behaviour in the everyday life to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.
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Gupta A, Khanna S. Community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection: an increasing public health threat. Infect Drug Resist 2014; 7:63-72. [PMID: 24669194 PMCID: PMC3962320 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s46780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a startling shift in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection over the last decade worldwide, and it is now increasingly recognized as a cause of diarrhea in the community. Classically considered a hospital-acquired infection, it has now emerged in populations previously considered to be low-risk and lacking the traditional risk factors for C. difficile infection, such as increased age, hospitalization, and antibiotic exposure. Recent studies have demonstrated great genetic diversity for C. difficile, pointing toward diverse sources and a fluid genome. Environmental sources like food, water, and animals may play an important role in these infections, apart from the role symptomatic patients and asymptomatic carriers play in spore dispersal. Prospective strain typing using highly discriminatory techniques is a possible way to explore the suspected diverse sources of C. difficile infection in the community. Patients with community-acquired C. difficile infection do not necessarily have a good outcome and clinicians should be aware of factors that predict worse outcomes in order to prevent them. This article summarizes the emerging epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes for community-acquired C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Gupta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sahil Khanna
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Curtin BF, Zarbalian Y, Flasar MH, Rosenvinge EV. Clostridium difficile-associated disease: Adherence with current guidelines at a tertiary medical center. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:8647-8651. [PMID: 24379582 PMCID: PMC3870510 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess adherence with the the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)/ the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for management of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)-associated disease (CDAD) at a tertiary medical center.
METHODS: All positive C. difficile stool toxin assays in adults between May 2010 and May 2011 at the University of Maryland Medical Center were identified. CDAD episodes were classified as guideline adherent or non-adherent and these two groups were compared to determine demographic and clinical factors predictive of adherence. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of multiple predictors on guideline adherence.
RESULTS: 320 positive C. difficile stool tests were identified in 290 patients. Stratified by disease severity criteria set forth by the SHEA/IDSA guidelines, 42.2% of cases were mild-moderate, 48.1% severe, and 9.7% severe-complicated. Full adherence with the guidelines was observed in only 43.4% of cases. Adherence was 65.9% for mild-moderate CDAD, which was significantly better than in severe cases (25.3%) or severe-complicated cases (35.5%) (P < 0.001). There was no difference in demographics, hospitalization, ICU exposure, recurrence or 30-d mortality between adherent and non-adherent groups. A multivariate model revealed significantly decreased adherence for severe or severe-complicated episodes (OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.11-0.30) and recurrent episodes (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.23-0.95).
CONCLUSION: Overall adherence with the SHEA/IDSA guidelines for management of CDAD at a tertiary medical center was poor; this was most pronounced in severe, severe-complicated and recurrent cases. Educational interventions aimed at improving guideline adherence are warranted.
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Toltzis P, Zaoutis T. Editorial commentary: community-associated Clostridium difficile infection in children. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:1673-5. [PMID: 24046300 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Clostridium difficile has re-emerged as a major hospital-acquired infection since 2001. Despite development of polymerase chain reaction-based testing, no single clinical diagnostic test has emerged with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time to be entirely reliable for disease diagnosis. The importance of C difficile acquired outside the hospital environment remains an unknown factor and awaits further epidemiologic investigation. This article discusses the changing epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis of C difficile infection and highlights the ongoing challenges of laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and disease relapse.
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