Are You at Risk for C. difficile Infection?
Are You at Risk for C. difficile Infection?
Why It Matters
C. difficile infection (CDI) is a growing threat, especially for older adults and those recently on antibiotics. Understanding the risk factors can help prevent serious health issues.
Contents
- Antibiotics: A Double-Edged Sword
- Age and Hospitalization: Added Risks
- Other Contributing Factors
Antibiotics: A Double-Edged Sword
While antibiotics fight off harmful bacteria, they also disrupt the good bacteria in your gut. This disruption can create an environment where C. difficile thrives, leading to infection. Certain antibiotics, like clindamycin and fluoroquinolones, are more likely to trigger CDI.
Age and Hospitalization: Added Risks
Individuals over 65 years old and those recently hospitalized are at higher risk for CDI. Hospitals can be breeding grounds for C. difficile due to the widespread use of antibiotics and the close quarters of patients, which facilitates bacterial spread.
Other Contributing Factors
Using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can also increase the risk of CDI. PPIs reduce stomach acid, which can otherwise help control bacterial growth. An insufficient immune response to C. difficile toxins might also play a role in increasing susceptibility to infection.
FAQs
What increases CDI risk?
Antibiotic use and recent hospitalization increase CDI risk.
Who is most at risk?
People over 65 and those hospitalized are most at risk.
Do PPIs affect CDI risk?
Yes, PPIs can increase the risk of CDI.
The Bottom Line
Understanding these risk factors is crucial in preventing CDI.
Additional References
- Bagdasarian N, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile in adults: a systematic review. JAMA 2015; 313:398.
- Wanahita A, et al. Conditions associated with leukocytosis in a tertiary care hospital. Clin Infect Dis 2002; 34:1585.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.