Clostridium difficile Infection: A Worldwide Disease.
- Author:
Kristin E BURKE
1
;
J Thomas LAMONT
Author Information
1. Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. jlamont@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Clostridium difficile;
Epidemiology;
Review;
Asia
- MeSH:
Asia/epidemiology;
Clostridium Infections/*diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology/*therapy;
Clostridium difficile/genetics/*pathogenicity;
Europe/epidemiology;
Global Health;
Humans;
North America/epidemiology
- From:Gut and Liver
2014;8(1):1-6
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Clostridium difficile, an anaerobic toxigenic bacterium, causes a severe infectious colitis that leads to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both enhanced bacterial toxins and diminished host immune response contribute to symptomatic disease. C. difficile has been a well-established pathogen in North America and Europe for decades, but is just emerging in Asia. This article reviews the epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management of C. difficile. Prompt recognition of C. difficile is necessary to implement appropriate infection control practices.
