| [ Summary ] |
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a characteristic example of an infectious disease caused by a disorder of the intestinal flora. The main risk factors for CDI include treatments with a broad spectrum of antibiotics, as well as use of antacids and chemotherapeutic drugs. The diagnosis involves detection of C. difficile antigens and toxins in stool samples. Although the sensitivity of these tests has increased, care must be taken in the interpretation of the results. Treatment of CDI involves oral metronidazole or vancomycin (in severe cases), but relapses are frequent. In case of relapse, new therapies such as fidaxomycin, antibody therapy, fecal transplantation therapy (fecal microbiota transplantation, FMT) have been broadly used, but better evidence of their efficacy is needed. The best approach to avoid occurrence of CDI is to wisely use antimicrobials and observe infection prevention measures. |