Clostridium difficile infection outbreak in a male rehabilitation ward, Hong Kong (China), 2011
10.5365/wpsar.2012.3.4.001
- Author:
Tsz-sum Lam
;
Man-ting Yuk
;
Ngai-chong Tsang
;
Man-ha Wong
;
Shuk-kwan Chuang
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Clostridium difficile;
infection outbreak
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2012;3(4):59-60
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium, capable of sporulation when environmental conditions no longer support its growth. The sporulation capacity enables the organism to persist in the environment for extended periods of time. Clostridium difficile is the main pathogen accountable for antibiotic-associated colitis and for 15% to 25% of cases of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Major risk factors such as increased severity of underlying illness, increased age, prior antimicrobial use and gastric acid suppressors have been identified for Clostridium difficile.
