Community-Acquired Clostridium Difficile Infection: Awareness and Clinical Implications

Cheryl Juneau, Elnora Nonie P. Mendias, Nihas Wagal, Michael Loeffelholz, Tor Savidge, Sharon Croisant, Sara M. Dann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is changing. CDI, usually depicted as a nosocomial infection in the elderly, is now occurring in community-dwelling persons who are younger and otherwise dissimilar. A more virulent isolate, North American Pulsed Field type 1, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, has been identified. In 2005, similar strains were associated with severe disease in community-dwelling patients at a rate of 7.6/100,000. Screening patients with potential CDI symptoms and implementing preventive measures, including judicious use of antibiotics, can reduce disease burden.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalJournal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • Community-acquired Clostridium difficile
  • North American pulsed-field type 1
  • PCR ribotype 027

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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