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Update on Clostridium difficile infection

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Abstract

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospital and community settings, spreading endemic and epidemic disease in developed and developing areas throughout the world. Its toxins A and B cause epithelial disruption, inflammation, and secretion. Diagnosis of infection with C. difficile is based on appropriate clinical presentation and demonstration of the presence of either toxin A or B, or both. Established treatment is still predominantly metronidazole and vancomycin. The association of antibiotic therapy with recurrent disease and antimicrobial resistance, especially vancomycin-resistant enterococci, highlights the need for new approaches to managing C. difficile infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geographic and International Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, 22908, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Cirle S. Alcantara MD & Richard L. Guerrant MD

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  1. Cirle S. Alcantara MD
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  2. Richard L. Guerrant MD
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Alcantara, C.S., Guerrant, R.L. Update on Clostridium difficile infection. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2, 310–314 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-000-0024-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-000-0024-x

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