Clostridium difficile infection prevention: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 16:46, 24 April 2015
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Clostridium difficile Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Clostridium difficile infection prevention On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Clostridium difficile infection prevention |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection prevention |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Prevention
The most effective method for preventing Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is proper antimicrobial prescribing. In the hospital setting, where CDAD is most common, nearly all patients who develop CDAD are exposed to antimicrobials. Although this sounds easy to do, approximately 50% of antimicrobial use is considered inappropriate. This is consistent whether in the hospital, clinic, community, or academic setting. Several studies have demonstrated a decrease in CDAD by limiting antibitoics most strongly associated with CDAD or by limiting unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing in general, both in outbreak and non-outbreak settings.
Infection control measures, such as wearing gloves when caring for patients with CDAD, have been proven to be effective at preventing CDAD. This works by limiting the spread of C. difficile in the hospital setting.
Treatment with various oral supplements containing live bacteria has been studied in efforts to prevent Clostridium difficile-associated infection/disease. A randomized controlled trial using a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei, L bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus was reported to have some efficacy. This study was sponsored by the company that produces the drink studied [1]. Although intriguing, several other studies have been unable to demonstrate any benefit of oral supplements of similar bacteria at preventing CDAD. Of note, patients on the antibiotics most strongly associated with CDAD were excluded from this study.
References
- ↑ Hickson M, D'Souza AL, Muthu N; et al. (2007). "Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial". BMJ. 335 (7610): 80. doi:10.1136/bmj.39231.599815.55. PMID 17604300.