Epidemiological and clinical features of patients with Clostridoides difficile infection

Abstract

AIM Investigation and identification of epidemiological characteristics, risk factors and treatment regimens effectivity in reducing morbidity and mortality. BACKGROUND C.difficile remains the leading cause of health care associated diarrhea, usually as a result of irrational use of antimicrobial therapy. METHODS Retrospective descriptive study (October 2020-january2024) included all patients with clinical symptoms of Clostridoides difficile infection (CDI) admitted at our clinic. Diagnosis is based on isolation with coproculture for C.difficile, toxin confirmation with immunochromatography, small number confirmed with PCR film array. RESULTS 594 inpatients with clinical symptoms of CDI were evaluated and diagnosis was confirmed in 44. Average mean age was 58,5 (29-90)years, approximately with no differencies on sex representation. Comorbidities and previous hospitalisations were noted in two third of them, and 63% had used antimicrobial drugs, while 34% had history of corticosteroid usage and 4,5% imunosupressive therapy. Often used antibiotics cephalosporins, clindamycine, quinolones and macrolides. 68,2% had history of protein pump inhibitors usage. Culture positive were 38%, toxinA/B is confirmed with immunochromatography in 77% of patients, PCR film array confirmed C.difficile toxin A/B in the remaining patients. Treatment is carried out with oral vancomycine in 56% of patients, 15% with metronidazole and the remaining with combination of two drugs. Regarding outcomes 90% of patients were cured while 10% had fatal outcomes and CDI is not considered the main cause of death. CONCLUSION Elderly patients with antibiotic history treatment, previous healthcare exposures and comorbidities were the most affected by CDI infection. Metronidazole and vancomycine has shown good therapeutic results.