Clostridium difficile infection: A review of the literature
10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60197-8
- Author:
Fahmi Yousef KHAN
1
;
Abdul-Naser ELZOUKI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Clostridium difficile infection;
Metronidazole;
Nosocomial diarrhoea;
Pseudomembranous colitis;
Vancomycin
- From:
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
2014;7(S1):S6-S13
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. It is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitals and other healthcare facilities and is of significant concern because of the increasing morbidity and mortality rates as well as increased health care costs. Spectrum of presentation of Clostridium difficile infection ranges from mild, self-limiting diarrhea, to serious diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis and life-threatening fulminant colitis, which may result in death. Prompt identification of patients with symptomatic Clostridium difficile infection is essential as the majority of patients respond quickly to antimicrobial therapy. Prevention is best accomplished by implementation of infection-control measures and by judicious use of antimicrobial agents.
