Antibiotic use, comorbid conditions, extended hospital stay linked to increased risk for C. difficile

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A variety of factors – including treatment with antibiotics, comorbid conditions and prolonged hospital stays – may be associated with an increased risk for Clostridium difficile infection, according to results of a study presented at the 36th International Meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, held here this week.

Researchers at the VA Medical Center in Houston examined records from 190 patients who tested positive for C. difficile who were treated at the hospital in 2002 and 2003. A control group of 190 well-matched patients who tested negatively for C. difficile was also examined. An analysis was conducted to determine the associated odds between various risk factors and a positive test for C. difficile.

According to the results, treatment with various antibiotics – including cephalosporins, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, antifungals, ceftazidime, gatifloxacin and clindamycin – were significantly associated with an increased risk for C. difficile infection. The prolonged use of antibiotics may be associated with a higher risk for C. difficile. Other drugs – including antacids, laxatives, narcotics and ranitidine – were also significantly associated with an increased risk for C. difficile infection.

The results also demonstrated that patients who had comorbid conditions or who had experienced extensive hospital stays may be at an increased risk for C. difficile infection.

The study’s researchers said these results indicate that a multipronged approach may be needed to help fight C. difficile. “It is imperative that any attempt to prevent the disease, or contain its spread, be done on several fronts,” they wrote.

For more information:

• Abraham F. #19-222. Presented at: The 36th International Meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. June 7-11, 2009. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.