cdiff

There have been dramatic changes in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), with increases in incidence and severity of disease, attributed to the emergence of a fluoroquinolone-resistant "hypervirulent" strain, ribotype 027. C. difficile is now the most common pathogen causing hospital-acquired infection in U.S. hospitals, and community-acquired infections are increasing. The diagnosis of CDI is based on a combination of signs and symptoms, confirmed by laboratory tests. Clinical manifestations of CDI can range from asymptomatic colonization to severe pseudomembranous colitis and death...