Clostridium difficile is a gram positive spore forming bacteria that is the primary cause of antibiotic associated diarrheas in the United States and Europe. The prevalence of C. difficile infections (CDI) in hospitals and long term care facilities has increased over the past decade and now represents a serious threat to patient health. Because C. difficile infections are caused by antibiotic therapy, alternative means of treatment are of interest. This study investigates the prevalence of C. difficile infection in three community hospitals and one research hospital and compares hospital prevalence data to state averages for Alabama and Mississippi and the national average. It was found that one community hospital exceeded the national average while two community hospitals and the research hospital were less than the national average of CDI. Both the standard infection ratio for C. difficile for Alabama and Mississippi were less than the national average. Data for January 1, 2013 – June 3, 2013 are included. To better control CDI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends better antibiotic stewardship, training for clinical pharmacists, and limited prescription of antibiotics for hospital and long term care facility patients. Alternative treatments for recurrent or non-responsive C. difficile infections include transplantation of fecal microbiota and probiotics. Several vaccines for C. difficile are currently under development or in clinical trials.
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1 December 2015
Evaluation of three community-based hospitals for control and prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection
Lisa Ann Blankinship,
Kaycee Bullard-Burcham
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BIOS
Vol. 86 • No. 4
December 2015
Vol. 86 • No. 4
December 2015
fecal microbiota therapy
hospital control policy
nosocomial infection