Abstract
Infections caused by Clostiridioides difficile - originally Clostridium difficile - are acute diarrheal diseases that arise mainly in persons treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and in hospitalized persons. They are the most common nosocomial intestinal infection and Clostridioides difficile is currently one of the eight most important nosocomial pathogens.
The number of community-acquired infections has been growing in recent years. Diagnosis is multi-step, based on direct detection of specific GDH antigen and clostridial toxins, or PCR detection of a toxigenic strain in the stool.
Vancomycin, fidaxomicin and metronidazole are recommended for treatment, although metronidazole is currently considered the third-line therapy. The spread of CDI in healthcare facilities can be reduced by introducing preventive measures.