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Official Journal of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Clostridium difficile infection: an update for infection control practitioners

Helen Van Gessel A E , Thomas Riley B C and Alistair McGregor D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Office of Safety and Quality in Healthcare, Healthcare Associated Infection Unit, Department of Health, WA, Australia.

B Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands 6009, WA, Australia.

C Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands 6009, WA, Australia.

D Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart 7000, Tas., Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: helen.vangessel@health.wa.gov.au

Healthcare Infection 14(3) 115-118 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI09105
Published: 26 August 2009

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is a common healthcare-associated infection that causes significant patient morbidity and mortality, as well as adding to the cost of healthcare. Almost all cases follow the use of antibiotics, and the major reservoir of infection is infected patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities. The emergence of a novel strain of C. difficile (NAP1/BI/027) around the world has been associated with increased frequency, severity and relapse of C. difficile disease. Principles of C. difficile prevention include antibiotic stewardship, monitoring of incidence and outbreaks, appropriate use of contact precautions, accurate identification of infected patients, consistent hand hygiene and improved environmental cleaning. A variety of surveillance systems and definitions have been used to monitor infection rates. Recently published internationally recognised recommendations and definitions support implementation of an appropriate surveillance program in Australia, endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers Conference in 2008.


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