Clostridium difficile infection following colon subtotal resection in a patient with gallstones: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)infection(CDI)is a rare clinical disease caused by changes in the intestinal microenvironment,which has a variety of causes and a poor prognosis,and for which there is no standardized clinical treatment.CASE SUMMARY A patient experienced recurrent difficulty in bowel movements over the past decade.Recently,symptoms worsened within the last ten days,leading to a clinic visit due to constipation.The patient was subsequently referred to our depart-ment.Preoperatively,the patient was diagnosed with obstructed colon accom-panied by gallstones.Empirical antibiotics were administered both before and after surgery to prevent infection.On the fourth day post-surgery,symptoms of CDI emerged.Stool cultures confirmed the presence of C.difficile DNA.Treatment involved a combination of vancomycin and linezolid,resulting in the patient's successful recovery upon discharge.However,the patient failed to adhere to the prescribed medication after discharge and was discovered deceased during a follow-up two months later.CONCLUSION CDI is the leading cause of nosocomial post-operative care,with limited clinical cases and poor patient prognosis,and comprehensive clinical treatment guidelines are still lacking.This infection can be triggered by a variety of factors,including intestinal hypoxia,inappropriate antibiotic use,and bile acid circulation disorders.In patients with chronic bowel disease and related etiologies,prompt preoperative attention to possible CDI and preoperative bowel preparation is critical.Adequate and prolonged medication should be maintained in the treatment of CDI to prevent recurrence of the disease.

Therapeutics involved in managing initial and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection:An updated literature review

Clostridium difficile infection(CDI)has been increasing due to the effect of recurrent hospitalizations.The use of antibiotics has been shown to alter the gut microbiome and lead to CDIs.The treatment is limited to three major antibiotics;however,the incidence of recurrent CDIs has been increasing and drug resistance is a major concern.This aspect is a growing concern in modern medicine especially in the elderly population,critical care patients,and immunocompromised individuals who are at high risk of developing CDIs.Clostridium difficile can lead to various complications including septic shock and fulminant colitis that could prove to be lethal in these patients.Newer modalities of treatment have been developed including bezlotoxumab,a monoclonal antibody and fecal microbiota transplant.There have been studies showing asymptomatic carriers and drug resistance posing a major threat to the healthcare system.Newer treatment options are being studied to treat and prevent CDIs.This review will provide an insight into the current treatment modalities,prevention and newer modalities of treatment and challenges faced in the treatment of CDIs.

Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-current status

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common chronic liver disease,leading to fibrosis,cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also associated with increased cardiovascular disease mortality.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is not fully understood,although NAFLD is thought to be a hepatic form of metabolic syndrome.There is an increasing understanding of the role of microbiota disturbances in NAFLD pathogenesis,and as with many other conditions affecting the microbiota,NAFLD may be a novel risk factor for Clostridioides difficile(C.difficile)colonization(CDC)and C.difficile infection(CDI).CDI is an emerging nosocomial disease,and community-acquired cases of infection are growing,probably due to an increase in CDC rates.The association of NAFLD with CDI has been shown in only 4 studies to date,three of which included less than 1000 patients,although the frequency of NAFLD in these studies was observed in almost 20%of the total patient cohort.These data revealed that NAFLD is a risk factor for CDI development and,moreover,is a risk factor for intestinal complications of CDI.More studies are needed to investigate this association and move forward CDC and CDI screening efforts for this group of patients.

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infections:The importance of the intestinal microbiota

Clostridium difficile infections(CDI)are a leading cause of antibiotic-associated and nosocomial diarrhea.Despite effective antibiotic treatments,recurrent infections are common.With the recent emergence of hypervirulent isolates of C.difficile,CDI is a growing epidemic with higher rates of recurrence,increasing severity and mortality.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)is an alternative treatment for recurrent CDI.A better understanding of intestinal microbiota and its role in CDI has opened the door to this promising therapeutic approach.FMT is thought to resolve dysbiosis by restoring gut microbiota diversity thereby breaking the cycle of recurrent CDI.Since the first reported use of FMT for recurrent CDI in 1958,systematic reviews of case series and case report have shown its effectiveness with high resolution rates compared to standard antibiotic treatment.This article focuses on current guidelines for CDI treatment,the role of intestinal microbiota in CDI recurrence and current evidence about FMT efficacy,adverse effects and acceptability.

Clostridium difficile的中文翻译商讨

＂艰难梭菌＂是近几年来备受关注的专业词。但是,在大量资料上也有＂难辨梭菌＂一词,其使用频率似乎更高。两者均无英文对照,谈及内容极相似。原来两者均是Clostridium difficile的译名。

P2X7 receptor blockade decreases inflammation,apoptosis,and enteric neuron loss during Clostridioides difficile toxin A-induced ileitis in mice

Clostridioides difficile(C.difficile)is the most common pathogen causing health care-associated infections.C.difficile TcdA and TcdB have been shown to activate enteric neurons;however,what population of these cells is more profoundly influenced and the mechanism underlying these effects remain unknown.AIM To characterize a specific population of TcdA-affected myenteric neurons and investigate the role of the P2X7 receptor in TcdA-induced ileal inflammation,cell death,and the changes in the enteric nervous system in mice.METHODS Swiss mice were used to model TcdA-induced ileitis in ileal loops exposed to TcdA(50μg/Loop)for 4 h.To investigate the role of the P2X7 receptor,Brilliant Blue G(50 mg/kg,i.p.),which is a nonspecific P2X7 receptor antagonist,or A438079(0.7μg/mouse,i.p.),which is a competitive P2X7 receptor antagonist,were injected one hour prior to TcdA challenge.Ileal samples were collected to analyze the expression of the P2X7 receptor(by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry),the population of myenteric enteric neurons(immunofluorescence),histological damage,intestinal inflammation,cell death(terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling),neuronal loss,and S100B synthesis(immunohistochemistry).RESULTS TcdA upregulated(P<0.05)the expression of the P2X7 receptor gene in the ileal tissues,increasing the level of this receptor in myenteric neurons compared to that in control mice.Comparison with the control mice indicated that TcdA promoted(P<0.05)the loss of myenteric calretinin+(Calr)and choline acetyltransferase+neurons and increased the number of nitrergic+and Calr+neurons expressing the P2X7 receptor.Blockade of the P2X7 receptor decreased TcdAinduced intestinal damage,cytokine release[interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-8,and tumor necrosis factor-α],cell death,enteric neuron loss,and S100B synthesis in the mouse ileum.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that TcdA induced the upregulation of the P2X7 receptor,which promoted enteric neuron loss,S100B synthesis,tissue damage,inflammation,and cell death in the mouse ileum.These findings contribute to the future directions in understanding the mechanism involved in intestinal dysfunction reported in patients after C.difficile infection.

Novel,non-colonizing,single-strain live biotherapeutic product ADS024 protects against Clostridioides difficile infection challenge in vivo

BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that Clostridioides difficile(C.difficile)causes half a million infections(CDI)annually and is a major cause of total infectious disease death in the United States,causing inflammation of the colon and potentially deadly diarrhea.We recently reported the isolation of ADS024,a Bacillus velezensis(B.velezensis)strain,which demonstrated direct in vitro bactericidal activity against C.difficile,with minimal collateral impact on other members of the gut microbiota.In this study,we hypothesized that in vitro activities of ADS024 will translate in vivo to protect against CDI challenge in mouse models.AIM To investigate the in vivo efficacy of B.velezensis ADS024 in protecting against CDI challenge in mouse models.METHODS To mimic disruption of the gut microbiota,the mice were exposed to vancomycin prior to dosing with ADS024.For the mouse single-dose study,the recovery of ADS024 was assessed via microbiological analysis of intestinal and fecal samples at 4 h,8 h,and 24 h after a single oral dose of 5×108 colony-forming units(CFU)/mouse of freshly grown ADS024.The single-dose study in miniature swine included groups that had been pre-dosed with vancomycin and that had been exposed to a dose range of ADS024,and a group that was not pre-dosed with vancomycin and received a single dose of ADS024.The ADS024 colonies[assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)using ADS024-specific primers]were counted on agar plates.For the 28-d miniature swine study,qPCR was used to measure ADS024 levels from fecal samples after oral administration of ADS024 capsules containing 5×109 CFU for 28 consecutive days,followed by MiSeq compositional sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to measure the impact of ADS024 on microbiota.Two studies were performed to determine the efficacy of ADS024 in a mouse model of CDI:Study 1 to determine the effects of fresh ADS024 culture and ADS024 spore preparations on the clinical manifestations of CDI in mice,and Study 2 to compare the efficacy of single daily doses vs dosing 3 times per day with fresh ADS024.C.difficile challenge was performed 24 h after the start of ADS024 exposure.To model the human distal colon,an anerobic fecal fermentation system was used.MiSeq compositional sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed to measure microbiota diversity changes following ADS024 treatment.To assess the potential of ADS024 to be a source of antibiotic resistance,its susceptibility to 18 different antibiotics was tested.RESULTS In a mouse model of CDI challenge,single daily doses of ADS024 were as efficacious as multiple daily doses in protecting against subsequent challenge by C.difficile pathogen-induced disease.ADS024 showed no evidence of colonization based on the observation that the ADS024 colonies were not recovered 24 h after single doses in mice or 72 h after single doses in miniature swine.In a 28-d repeat-dose study in miniature swine,ADS024 was not detected in fecal samples using plating and qPCR methods.Phylogenetic analysis performed in the human distal colon model showed that ADS024 had a selective impact on the healthy human colonic microbiota,similarly to the in vivo studies performed in miniature swine.Safety assessments indicated that ADS024 was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested,while in silico testing revealed a low potential for off-target activity or virulence and antibioticresistance mechanisms.CONCLUSION Our findings,demonstrating in vivo efficacy of ADS024 in protecting against CDI challenge in mouse models,support the use of ADS024 in preventing recurrent CDI following standard antibiotic treatment.

Comparison of pediatric and adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infections

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD) and Clostridum difficile infections(CDI) have been well studied for adult cases, but not as well in the pediatric population. Whether the disease process or response to treatments differs between pediatric and adult patients is an important clinical concern when following global guidelines based largely on adult patients. A systematic review of the literature using databases Pub Med(June 3, 1978-2015) was conducted to compare AAD and CDI in pediatric and adult populations and determine significant differences and similarities that might impact clinical decisions. In general, pediatric AAD and CDI have a more rapid onset of symptoms, a shorter duration of disease and fewer CDI complications(required surgeries and extended hospitalizations) than in adults. Children experience more community-associated CDI and are associated with smaller outbreaks than adult cases of CDI. The ribotype NAP1/027/BI is more common in adults than children. Children and adults share some similar risk factors, but adults have more complex risk factor profiles associated with more co-morbidities, types of disruptive factors and a wider range of exposures to C. difficile in the healthcare environment. The treatment of pediatric and adult AAD is similar(discontinuing or switching the inciting antibiotic), but other treatment strategies for AAD have not been established. Pediatric CDI responds better to metronidazole, while adult CDI responds better to vancomycin. Recurrent CDI is not commonly reported for children. Prevention for both pediatric and adult AAD and CDI relies upon integrated infection control programs, antibiotic stewardship and may include the use of adjunctive probiotics. Clinical presentation of pediatric AAD and CDI are different than adult AAD and CDI symptoms. These differences should be taken into account when rating severity of disease and prescribing antibiotics.

Proton pump inhibitors therapy and risk of Clostridium difficile infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) therapy and the risk of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI). METHODS We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE/Pub Med and seven other databases through January 1990 to March 2017 for published studies that evaluated the association between PPIs and CDI. Adult case-control and cohort studies providing information on the association between PPI therapy and the development of CDI were included. Pooled odds ratios(ORs) estimates with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using the random effect. Heterogeneity was assessed by I^2 test and Cochran's Q statistic.Potential publication bias was evaluated via funnel plot, and quality of studies by the Newcastle-Otawa Quality Assessment Scale(NOS). RESULTS Fifty-six studies(40 case-control and 16 cohort) involving 356683 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Both the overall pooled estimates and subgroup analyses showed increased risk for CDI despite substantial statistical heterogeneity among studies. Meta-analysis of all studies combined showed a significant association between PPI users and the risk of CDI(pooled OR = 1.99, CI: 1.73-2.30, P < 0.001) as compared with non-users. The association remained significant in subgroup analyses: by design-case-control(OR = 2.00, CI: 1.68-2.38, P < 0.0001), and cohort(OR = 1.98, CI: 1.51-2.59, P < 0.0001); adjusted(OR = 1.95, CI: 1.67-2.27, P < 0.0001) and unadjusted(OR = 2.02, CI: 1.41-2.91, P < 0.0001); unicenter(OR = 2.18, CI: 1.72-2.75, P < 0.0001) and multicenter(OR = 1.82, CI: 1.51-2.19, P < 0.0001); age ≥ 65 years(OR = 1.93, CI: 1.40-2.68, P < 0.0001) and < 65 years(OR = 2.06, CI: 1.11-3.81, P < 0.01). No significant differences were found in subgroup analyses(test for heterogeneity): P = 0.93 for case-control vs cohort, P = 0.85 for adjusted vs unadjusted, P = 0.24 for unicenter vs multicenter, P = 0.86 for age ≥ 65 years and < 65 years. There was significant heterogeneity across studies(I^2 = 85.4%, P < 0.001) as well as evidence of publication bias(funnel plot asymmetry test, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides further evidence that PPI use is associated with an increased risk for development of CDI. Further high-quality, prospective studies are needed to assess whether this association is causal.

Clostridium difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease:Understanding the evolving relationship

Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)infection(CDI)is the leading identifiable cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.While there is an alarming trend of increasing incidence and severity of CDI in the United States and Europe,superimposed CDI in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)has drawn considerable attention in the gastrointestinal community.The majority of IBD patients appear to contract CDI as outpatients.C.difficile affects disease course of IBD in several ways,including triggering disease flares,sustaining activity,and in some cases,acting as an"innocent"bystander.Despite its wide spectrum of presentations,CDI has been reported to be associated with a longer duration of hospitalization and a higher mortality in IBD patients.IBD patients with restorative proctocolectomy or with diverting ileostomy are not immune to CDI of the small bowel or ileal pouch.Whether immunomodulator or corticosteroid therapy for IBD should be continued in patients with superimposed CDI is controversial.It appears that more adverse outcomes was observed among patients treated by a combination of immunomodulators and antibiotics than those treated by antibiotics alone.The use of biologic agents does not appear to increase the risk of acquisition of CDI.For CDI in the setting of underlying IBD,vancomycin appears to be more efficacious than metronidazole.Randomized controlled trials are required to clearly define the appropriate management for CDI in patients with IBD.

Clostridium difficile and inflammatory bowel disease: Role in pathogenesis and implications in treatment

Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)is the leading cause of antibiotic associated colitis and nosocomial diarrhea.Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)are at increased risk of developing C.difficile infection(CDI),have worse outcomes of CDI-including higher rates of colectomy and death,and experience higher rates of recurrence.However,it is still not clear whether C.difficile is a cause of IBD or a consequence of the inflammatory state in the intestinal environment.The burden of CDI has increased dramatically over the past decade,with severe outbreaks described in many countries,which have been attributed to a new and more virulent strain.A parallel rise in the incidence of CDI has been noted in patients with IBD.IBD patients with CDI tend be younger,have less prior antibiotic exposure,and most cases of CDI in these patients represent outpatient acquired infections.The clinical presentation of CDI in these patients can be unique-including diversion colitis,enteritis and pouchitis,and typical findings on colonoscopy are often absent.Due to the high prevalence of CDI in patients hospitalized with an IBD exacerbation,and the prognostic implications of CDI in these patients,it is recommended to test all IBD patients hospitalized with a disease flare for C.difficile.Treatment includes general measures such as supportive care and infection control measures.Antibiotic therapy with either oral metronidazole,vancomycin,or the novel antibiotic-fidaxomicin,should be initiated as soon as possible.Fecal macrobiota transplantation constitutes another optional treatment for severe/recurrent CDI.The aim of this paper is to review recent data on CDI in IBD:role in pathogenesis,diagnostic methods,optional treatments,and outcomes of these patients.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in variceal hemorrhage:Timing,effectiveness and Clostridium difficile rates

AIM:To investigate if antibiotics administered within 8 h of endoscopy reduce mortality or increase the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A 2-year retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with first variceal hemorrhage was undertaken.The primary outcome measure was 28-d mortality.Secondary outcome measures were 28-d rebleeding rates and 28-d incidence of CDI.All patients were admitted to a tertiary liver unit with a consultantled,24-h endoscopy service.Patients received standard care including terlipressin therapy.Data collection included:primary and secondary outcome measures,timing of first administration of intravenous antibiotics,eti-ology of liver disease,demographics,endoscopy details and complications.A prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CDI in the study population and general medical inpatients admitted for antibiotic therapy of at least 5 d duration.Statistical analysis was undertaken using univariate,non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:There were 70 first presentations of variceal hemorrhage during the study period.Seventy percent of cases were male and 65.7% were due to chronic alcoholic liver disease.In total,64/70(91.4%) patients received antibiotics as prophylaxis during their admission.Specifically,53/70(75.7%) received antibiotics either before endoscopy or within 8 h of endoscopy [peri-endoscopy(8 h) group],whereas 17/70(24.3%) received antibiotics at > 8 h after endoscopy or not at all(non peri-endoscopy group).Overall mortality and rebleeding rates were 13/70(18.6%) and 14/70(20%),respectively.The periendoscopy(8 h) group was significantly less likely to die compared with the non peri-endoscopy group [13.2% vs 35.3%,P = 0.04,odds ratio(OR) = 0.28(0.078-0.997)] and showed a trend towards reduced rebleeding [17.0% vs 29.4%,P = 0.27,OR = 0.49(0.14-1.74)].On univariate analysis,the non peri-endoscopy group [P = 0.02,OR = 3.58(1.00-12.81)],higher model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score(P = 0.02),presence of hepatorenal syndrome [P < 0.01,OR = 11.25(2.24-56.42)] and suffering a clinical episode of sepsis [P = 0.03,OR = 4.03(1.11-14.58)] were significant predictors of death at 28 d.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,lower MELD score [P = 0.01,OR = 1.16(1.04-1.28)] and periendoscopy(8 h) group [P = 0.01,OR = 0.15(0.03-0.68)] were independent predictors of survival at 28 d.The CDI incidence(5.7%) was comparable to that in the general medical population(5%).CONCLUSION:Antibiotics administered up to 8 h following endoscopy were associated with improved survival at 28 d.CDI incidence was comparable to that in other patient groups.

Management of inflammatory bowel disease with Clostridium difficile infection

To address the management of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) in the setting of suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-flare. METHODSA systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases by independent reviewers identified 70 articles including a total of 932141 IBD patients or IBD-related hospitalizations. RESULTSIn those with IBD, CDI is associated with increased morbidity, including subsequent escalation in IBD medical therapy, urgent colectomy and increased hospitalization, as well as excess mortality. Vancomycin-containing regimens are effective first-line therapies for CDI in IBD inpatients. No prospective data exists with regards to the safety or efficacy of initiating or maintaining corticosteroid, immunomodulator, or biologic therapy to treat IBD in the setting of CDI. Corticosteroid use is a risk factor for the development of CDI, while immunomodulators and biologics are not. CONCLUSIONStrong recommendations regarding when to initiate IBD specific therapy in those with CDI are precluded by a lack of evidence. However, based on expert opinion and observational data, initiation or resumption of immunosuppressive therapy after 48-72 h of targeted antibiotic treatment for CDI may be considered.

Clostridium difficile infections in China

Clostridium difficile （C.difficile） infection has become one of the major hospital-associated infections in Western countries in the last two decades.However,there is limited information on the status of C.difficile infection in Chinese healthcare settings.Given the large and increasing elderly population and the well-recognized problem of over-prescribing of broad spectrum antibiotics in China,it is critical to understand the epidemiology and potential risk factors that may contribute to C.difficile infection in China.A literature review of available published studies,including those in Chinese language-based journals,was conducted.A review of the currently available literature suggested the presence of C.difficile infections in China,but also suggested that these infections were not particularly endemic.This finding should lead to better designed and greatly expanded studies to provide a more reliable epidemiologically-based conclusion on the actual status of C.difficile infection in China,including the identification of any associated risk factors.Such information is ultimately valuable to develop appropriate strategies to prevent C.difficile infection and the vast negative impact of such infections in China and other developing countries.

Proton pump inhibitors as a risk factor for recurrence of Clostridium-difficile-associated diarrhea

AIM:To investigate the risk factors for Clostridiumdifficile-associated diarrhea(CDAD)recurrence,and its relationship with proton pump inhibitors(PPIs). METHODS:Retrospective data of 125 consecutive hospitalized patients diagnosed with CDAD between January 2006 and December 2007 were collected by medical chart review.Collected data included patient characteristics at baseline,underlying medical disease, antibiotic history before receiving a diagnosis of CDAD, duration of hospital stay,severity of CDAD,concurrenttreatment with PPIs,laboratory parameters,response to CDAD therapy,and recurrence of disease within 90 d of successful treatment.Various clinical and laboratory parameters were compared in patients in whom CDAD did or did not recur. RESULTS:Of the 125 patients(mean age,67.6± 13.9 years)that developed CDAD,98(78.4%)did not experience recurrence(non-recurrent group)and 27 (21.6%)experienced one or more recurrences(recurrent group).Prior to the development of CDAD,96% of the 125 patients were prescribed antibiotics,and 56(44.8%)of the patients received PPIs.Age older than 65 years(P=0.021),feeding via nasogastric tube(NGT)(P=0.045),low serum albumin level(P =0.025),and concurrent use of PPIs(P=0.014) were found to be risk factors for CDAD recurrence by univariate analysis.However,sex,length of hospital stay,duration and type of antibiotics used,severity of disease,leukocyte count and C-reactive protein(CRP) were not associated with risk of CDAD recurrence.On multivariate analysis,the important risk factors were advanced age(>65 years,adjusted OR:1.32,95% CI:1.12-3.87,P=0.031),low serum albumin level(< 2.5 g/dL,adjusted OR:1.85,95%CI:1.35-4.91,P= 0.028),and concurrent use of PPIs(adjusted OR:3.48, 95%CI:1.64-7.69,P=0.016). CONCLUSION:Advanced age,serum albumin level< 2.5 g/dL,and concomitant use of PPIs were found to be significant risk factors for CDAD recurrence.

Impact of Clostridium difficile infection on inflammatory bowel disease outcome: A review

Although a considerable number of studies support a substantial increase in incidence, severity, and healthcare costs for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), only few evaluate its impact on IBD outcome. Medline and several other electronic databases from January 1993 to October 2013 were searched in order to identify potentially relevant literature. Most of the studies showed that IBD patients with CDI present a greater proportion of worse outcomes than those without CDI. These patients have longer length of hospital stay, higher rates of colectomies, and increased mortality. Patients with ulcerative colitis are more susceptible to CDI and have more severe outcomes than those with Crohn&#x02019;s disease. However, studies reported variable results in both short- and long-term outcomes. Contrasting results were also found between studies using nationwide data and those reporting from single-center, or between some North-American and European studies. An important limitation of all studies analyzed was their retrospective design. Due to contrasting data often provided by retrospective studies, further prospective multi-center studies are necessary to evaluate CDI impact on IBD outcome. Until then, a rapid diagnosis and adequate therapy of infection are of paramount importance to improve IBD patients&#x02019; outcome. The aim of this article is to provide up to date information regarding CDI impact on outcome in IBD patients.

Burden of Clostridium difficile infection between 2010 and 2013:Trends and outcomes from an academic center in Eastern Europe

AIM:To analyze the incidence and possible risk factors in hospitalized patients treated with Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A total of 11751 patients were admitted to our clinic between 1 January 2010 and 1 May2013.Two hundred and forty-seven inpatients were prospectively diagnosed with CDI.For the risk analysis a 1:3 matching was used.Data of 732 patients matched for age,sex,and inpatient care period and unit were compared to those of the CDI population.Inpatient records were collected from an electronic hospital database and comprehensively reviewed.RESULTS:Incidence of CDI was 21.0/1000 admissions(2.1%of all-cause hospitalizations and 4.45%of total inpatient days).The incidence of severe CDI was 12.6%(2.63/1000 of all-cause hospitalizations).Distribution of CDI cases was different according to the unit type,with highest incidence rates in hematology,gastroenterology and nephrology units(32.9,25 and24.6/1000 admissions,respectively) and lowest rates in 1.4%(33/2312) in endocrinology and general internal medicine(14.2 and 16.9/1000 admissions)units.Recurrence of CDI was 11.3%within 12 wk after discharge.Duration of hospital stay was longer in patients with CDI compared to controls(17.6 ± 10.8d vs 12.4 ± 7.71 d).CDI accounted for 6.3%of allinpatient deaths,and 30-d mortality rate was 21.9%(54/247 cases).Risk factors for CDI were antibiotic therapy[including third-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones,odds ratio(OR) = 4.559;P < 0.001],use of proton pump inhibitors(OR = 2.082,P< 0.001),previous hospitaiization within 12 mo(OR = 3.167,P < 0.001),previous CDI(OR = 15.32;P < 0.001),while presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased risk for CDI(OR = 0.484;P< 0.001).Treatment of recurrent cases was significantly different from primary infections with more frequent use of vancomycin alone or in combination(P < 0.001),and antibiotic therapy duration was longer(P < 0.02).Severity,mortality and outcome of primary infections and relapsing cases did not significantly differ.CONCLUSION:CDI was accounted for significant burden with longer hospitaiization and adverse outcomes.Antibiotic,PPI therapy and previous hospitaiization or CDI were risk factors for CDI.

Current knowledge on the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is the principal etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Infection with C. difficile (CDI) is characterized by diarrhea in clinical syndromes that vary from selflimited to mild or severe. Since its initial recognition as the causative agent of pseudomembranous colitis, C. difficile has spread around the world. CDI is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among older adult hospitalized patients. Due to extensive antibiotic usage, the number of CDIs has increased. Diagnosis of CDI is often difficult and has a substantial impact on the management of patients with the disease, mainly with regards to antibiotic management. The diagnosis of CDI is primarily based on the clinical signs and symptoms and is only confirmed by laboratory testing. Despite the high burden of CDI and the increasing interest in the disease, episodes of CDI are often misdiagnosed. The reasons for misdiagnosis are the lack of clinical suspicion or the use of inappropriate tests. The proper diagnosis of CDI reduces transmission, prevents inadequate or unnecessary treatments, and assures best antibiotic treatment. We review the options for the laboratory diagnosis of CDI within the settings of the most accepted guidelines for CDI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CDI.

Complicated fecal microbiota transplantation in a tetraplegic patient with severe Clostridium difficile infection

A 65-year-old male suffering from acute spinal cord injury leading to incomplete tetraplegia presented with severe recurrent Clostridium difficile(C. difficile) infection subsequent to antibiotic treatment for pneumonia. After a history of ineffective antimicrobial therapies, including metronidazole, vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin and tigecycline, leading to several relapses, the patient underwent colonoscopic fecal microbiota transplantation from his healthy son. Four days subsequent to the procedure, the patient showed a systemic inflammation response syndrome. Without detecting an infectious cause, the patient received antimicrobial treatment, including tigecycline, metronidazole, vancomycin via polyethylene glycol and an additional enema for a period of seven days, leading to a prompt recovery and no reported C. difficile infection relapse during a 12 wk follow up.

Clostridium difficile causing acute renal failure: Case presentation and review

AIM: Clostridium difficile infection is primarily a nosocomial infection but asymptomatic carriers of Clostridium difficile can be found in up to 5% of the general population. Ampicillin, cephalosporins and clindamycin are the antibiotics that are most frequently associated with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea or colitis. Little is known about acute renal failure as a consequence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. METHODS: In this case report, we describe the course of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in an 82-year-old patient developing acute renal failure. Stopping the offending agent and symptomatic therapy brought a rapid improvement of diarrhea and acute renal failure, full recovery was gained 18 d after admission. In a systematic review we looked for links between the two conditions. RESULTS: The link between Clostridium difficile-assoaated diarrhea and acute renal failure in our patient was most likely volume depletion. However, in experimental studies a direct influence of Clostridium difficile toxins on renal duct cells could be shown. CONCLUSION: Rapid diagnosis, nonspecific supportive treatment and specific antibiotic treatment, especially in the elderly, may lower excess mortality Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and renal failure being possible complications.