[Clostridium difficile colitis]

Abstract

C. difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic enteropathogen responsible for a wide range of clinical features ranging from mild uncomplicated diarrhoea to severe debilitating disease, toxic megacolon, or even perforation and sometimes death. Risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI) include age > 65 years, previous hospitalization and recent antibiotic therapy. Main virulence factors of C. difficile are toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). Since 2005, a new hypervirulent strain has emerged. This epidemic strain named 027/NAP/BI has been responsible for outbreaks worldwide, with increased mortality and severity. Antibiotic treatment of CDI is based on severity of the disease and relies on the use of oral metronidazole, vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Control of CDI needs an antimicrobial stewardship policy and the implementation of contact precautions for the infected patients.