Prevention of Clostridioides difficile in hospitals: A position paper of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Jan:102:188-195. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.039. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection is an increasing presence worldwide. Prevention is multipronged, reflecting a complex and evolving epidemiology. Multiple guidelines exist regarding the prevention of C. difficile infection in healthcare settings; however, existing guidelines do not address C. difficile in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Nevertheless, the prevalence of C. difficile in LMIC likely parallels, if not exceeds, that of high-income countries, and LMIC may experience additional challenges in C. difficile diagnosis and control. A panel of experts was convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) to review the current state of C. difficile infections globally and make evidence-based recommendations for infection prevention that are broadly applicable.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; Healthcare associated infection; Infection Prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Clostridium Infections / epidemiology
  • Clostridium Infections / prevention & control*
  • Clostridium Infections / transmission
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / transmission
  • Humans