[Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD)--hard to crack]

Abstract

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is the most common documented cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed countries. In recent years morbidity and mortality associated with this pathogen have increased significantly, simultaneously with the appearance of a new strain--NAP1/BI/027--which was implicated in epidemics of severe disease in hospitals around the world. Despite the accumulated experience in identification and treatment of patients, physicians continue to face complicated problems concerning the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CDAD. However, significant effort is invested in the development of more accurate diagnostic tests, newer drugs for treatment and new methods to prevent the spread of the pathogen. The problems related to CDAD and updated possible solutions are discussed in this article.