Jump to content

Clostridioides difficile infection: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by Jeroldc (talk) to last version by Edrxpark
Jeroldc (talk | contribs)
289 edits
Line 144: Line 144:
=== Stool transplant===
=== Stool transplant===


[[Fecal bacteriotherapy]] colloquially known as stool transplant, a procedure related to [[probiotic]] research, has preliminarily been shown to cure the disease. It involves infusion of bacterial flora acquired from the feces of a healthy donor to reverse the bacterial imbalance responsible for the recurring nature of the infection. In fecal transplantation, donor stool is collected from a close relative who has been tested for a wide array of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. The stool is often mixed with saline or milk to achieve the desired consistency, then delivered through a colonoscope or retention enema, or through a nasogastric or nasoduodenal tube. The procedure replaces normal, healthy colonic flora that had been wiped out by antibiotics, and reestablishes the patient's resistance to colonization by ''Clostridium'' ''difficile''.
[[Fecal bacteriotherapy]] colloquially known as stool transplant, a procedure related to [[probiotic]] research, has preliminarily been shown to cure the disease. It involves infusion of bacterial flora acquired from the feces of a healthy donor to reverse the bacterial imbalance responsible for the recurring nature of the infection. In fecal transplantation, donor stool is collected from a close relative who has been tested for a wide array of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. The stool is often mixed with saline or milk to achieve the desired consistency, then delivered through a colonoscope or retention enema, or through a nasogastric or nasoduodenal tube. The procedure replaces normal, healthy colonic flora that had been wiped out by antibiotics, and reestablishes the patient's resistance to colonization by ''Clostridium'' ''difficile''. Unfortunately, there is often a patient resistance due to the "ick" factor that needs to be overcome first before proceeding with this often effective treatment.


Currently there are over 150 published reports dating back to 1958 though many more have been performed. It has a success rate of about 90%.<ref name=Schwan_1983>{{cite journal | author = Schwan A, Sjölin S, Trottestam U, Aronsson B | title = Relapsing clostridium difficile enterocolitis cured by rectal infusion of homologous faeces | journal = Lancet | volume = 2 | issue = 8354 | pages = 845 | year = 1983 | pmid = 6137662 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(83)90753-5}}</ref><ref name=Schwan_1994>{{cite journal | author = Paterson D, Iredell J, Whitby M | title = Putting back the bugs: bacterial treatment relieves chronic diarrhoea | journal = Med J Aust | volume = 160 | issue = 4 | pages = 232–3 | year = 1994 | pmid = 8309401}}</ref><ref name=Borody_2000>{{cite journal | author = Borody T | title = "Flora Power" - fecal bacteria cure chronic C. difficile diarrhea | journal = Am J Gastroenterol | volume = 95 | issue = 11 | pages = 3028–9 | year = 2000 | url = http://www.cdd.com.au/pdf/paper32.pdf |format=PDF| pmid = 11095314 | doi = 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03277.x}}</ref> A guide was released in 2010 for home fecal transplantation.<ref name=Silverman_2010>{{cite journal | author = Silverman MS, Davis I, Pillai DR | title = Success of self-administered home fecal transplantation for chronic ''Clostridium difficile'' infection | journal = Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol | volume = 8 | issue = 5 | pages = 471–3 | year = 2010 | pmid = 20117243 | doi = 10.1016/j.cgh.2010.01.007}}</ref>
Currently there are over 150 published reports dating back to 1958 though many more have been performed. It has a success rate of about 90%.<ref name=Schwan_1983>{{cite journal | author = Schwan A, Sjölin S, Trottestam U, Aronsson B | title = Relapsing clostridium difficile enterocolitis cured by rectal infusion of homologous faeces | journal = Lancet | volume = 2 | issue = 8354 | pages = 845 | year = 1983 | pmid = 6137662 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(83)90753-5}}</ref><ref name=Schwan_1994>{{cite journal | author = Paterson D, Iredell J, Whitby M | title = Putting back the bugs: bacterial treatment relieves chronic diarrhoea | journal = Med J Aust | volume = 160 | issue = 4 | pages = 232–3 | year = 1994 | pmid = 8309401}}</ref><ref name=Borody_2000>{{cite journal | author = Borody T | title = "Flora Power" - fecal bacteria cure chronic C. difficile diarrhea | journal = Am J Gastroenterol | volume = 95 | issue = 11 | pages = 3028–9 | year = 2000 | url = http://www.cdd.com.au/pdf/paper32.pdf |format=PDF| pmid = 11095314 | doi = 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03277.x}}</ref> A guide was released in 2010 for home fecal transplantation.<ref name=Silverman_2010>{{cite journal | author = Silverman MS, Davis I, Pillai DR | title = Success of self-administered home fecal transplantation for chronic ''Clostridium difficile'' infection | journal = Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol | volume = 8 | issue = 5 | pages = 471–3 | year = 2010 | pmid = 20117243 | doi = 10.1016/j.cgh.2010.01.007}}</ref>

Revision as of 01:57, 30 June 2011

Clostridium difficile
C. difficile colonies on a blood agar plate.
Micrograph of Clostridium difficile
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Bacteria
Phylum:
Firmicutes
Class:
Clostridia
Order:
Clostridiales
Family:
Clostridiaceae
Genus:
Clostridium
Species:
C. difficile
Binomial name
Clostridium difficile
Hall & O'Toole, 1935

Clostridium difficile (pronunciation below) (from the Greek kloster (κλωστήρ), spindle, and Latin difficile,[1] difficult), also known as "CDF/cdf", or "C. diff", is a species of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Clostridium that causes severe diarrhea and other intestinal disease when competing bacteria in the gut flora have been wiped out by antibiotics.

Clostridia are anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacilli).[2] C. difficile is the most serious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infection of the colon, often resulting from eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics.[3]

In a very small percentage of the adult population, C. difficile bacteria naturally reside in the gut. Other people accidentally ingest spores of the bacteria while they are patients in a hospital, nursing home, or similar facility. When the bacteria are in a colon in which the normal gut flora has been destroyed (usually after a broad spectrum antibiotic such as clindamycin has been used) the gut becomes overrun with C. difficile. This overpopulation is harmful because the bacteria release toxins that can cause bloating and diarrhea with abdominal pain, which may become severe. C. difficile infections are the most common cause of pseudomembranous colitis, and in rare cases this can progress to toxic megacolon, which can be life-threatening.

Latent symptoms of C. difficile infection often mimic some flu-like symptoms and can mimic disease flare in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-associated colitis.[4] Often, mild cases of C. difficile infection can be cured by discontinuing the antibiotics responsible.[2] In more serious cases, oral administration of first metronidazole, and if that fails then secondly vancomycin, are currently the treatments of choice. Relapses of C. difficile AAD have been reported in up to 20% of cases.[2]

Signs and symptoms

In adults, a clinical prediction rule found the best signs to be: significant diarrhea ("new onset of > 3 partially formed or watery stools per 24 hour period"); recent antibiotic exposure; colitis (abdominal pain); fever (up to 40.5°C) and foul stool odour. The presence of any one of these findings has a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 45%.[5] In this study of hospitalized patients with a prevalence of positive cytotoxin assays of 14%, the positive predictive value was 20% and the negative predictive value was 95%.

Cause

Micrograph of a colonic pseudomembrane in Clostridium difficile colitis, a type of pseudomembranous colitis. H&E stain.

With the introduction of broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapeutic antineoplastic drugs[citation needed] in the latter half of the twentieth century, antibiotic (and chemotherapy) associated diarrhea became more common. Pseudomembranous colitis was first described as a complication of C. difficile infection in 1978,[6] when a toxin was isolated from patients suffering from pseudomembranous colitis and Koch's postulates were met.

The numerous spores formed by C. difficile are resistant to most routine cleaning methods that are used on surfaces (except for 10% bleach in water).[citation needed] Spores of these bacteria can remain viable outside of the human body for very long periods of time, and this means that patients in a medical facility are often exposed to situations where they end up accidentally ingesting spores. [citation needed] Extremely rigorous infection protocols are required in order to decrease or eliminate this risk.[citation needed]

C. difficile infection (CDI) can range in severity from asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening, especially among the elderly. People are most often nosocomially infected in hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical institutions, although C. difficile infection in the community, outpatient setting is increasing. The rate of C. difficile acquisition is estimated to be 13% in patients with hospital stays of up to 2 weeks, and 50% in those with hospital stays longer than 4 weeks.[7] C. difficile-associated diarrhea (aka CDAD) is most strongly associated with fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones are more strongly associated with C. difficile infections than other antibiotics including clindamycin, 3rd generation cephalosporins and beta-lactamase inhibitors. One study found that fluoroquinolones were responsible for 55% of C. difficile infections.[8]

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommend that fluoroquinolones and the antibiotic clindamycin be avoided in clinical practice due to their high association with subsequent Clostridium difficile infections.[9] Frequency and severity of C. difficile colitis remains high and seems to be associated with increased death rates.[citation needed] Immunocompromised status and delayed diagnosis appear to result in elevated risk of death. Early intervention and aggressive management are key factors to recovery.

Increasing rates of community-acquired C. difficile infection are associated with the use of medication that suppress gastric acid production: H2-receptor antagonists increased the risk 1.5 fold, and proton pump inhibitors by 1.7 with once daily use and 2.4 with more than once daily use.[10]

The emergence of a new, highly toxic strain of C. difficile, resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin), said to be causing geographically dispersed outbreaks in North America was reported in 2005.[11] The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has also warned of the emergence of an epidemic strain with increased virulence, antibiotic resistance, or both.[12]

In 2005, molecular analysis led to the identification of the C. difficile strain type that was characterized as group BI by restriction endo nuclease analysis (REA), as North American pulse-field type NAP1 by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and as ribotype 027; the differing terminology reflects the predominant techniques that were used for epidemiological typing and this strain is referred to as C. difficile BI/NAP1/027.[13]

Some recent research suggests that the overuse of antibiotics in the raising of livestock for meat consumption is contributing to outbreaks of bacterial infections such as C. difficile.[14]

Bacteriology

Individual, drumstick-shaped C. difficile bacilli seen through scanning electron microscopy.

Clostridia are motile bacteria that are ubiquitous in nature and are especially prevalent in soil. Under the microscope, clostridia appear as long, irregularly (often "drumstick" or "spindle") shaped cells with a bulge at their terminal ends. Under Gram staining, Clostridium difficile cells are Gram-positive and show optimum growth on blood agar at human body temperatures in the absence of oxygen. When stressed, the bacteria produce spores, which can tolerate extreme conditions that the active bacteria cannot tolerate.[2]

C. difficile is a commensal bacterium of the human intestine in 2-5% of the population.[2] Long-term hospitalization or residence in a nursing home within the previous year are independent risk factors for increased colonization.[15] In small numbers, C. difficile does not result in significant disease. Antibiotics, especially those with a broad spectrum of activity (such as for example clindamycin) cause disruption of normal intestinal flora, leading to an overgrowth of C. difficile, which flourishes under these conditions. This can lead to pseudomembranous colitis (PMC), the generalized inflammation of the colon and the development of pseudomembrane, a viscous collection of inflammatory cells, fibrin, and necrotic cells.[2]

Pathogenic C. difficile strains produce several known toxins. The most well-characterized are enterotoxin (toxin A) and cytotoxin (toxin B), both of which are responsible for the diarrhea and inflammation seen in infected patients, although their relative contributions have been debated.[2] Toxins A and B are glucosyltransferases that target and inactivate the Rho family of GTPases. Toxin B (cytotoxin) induces actin depolymerization by a mechanism correlated with a decrease in the ADP-ribosylation of the low molecular mass GTP-binding Rho proteins.[16] Another toxin, binary toxin, has also been described, but its role in disease is not yet fully understood.[17]

Antibiotic treatment of C. difficile infections can be difficult, due both to antibiotic resistance as well as physiological factors of the bacteria itself (spore formation, protective effects of the pseudomembrane).[2] Pseudomembranous colitis caused by C. difficile is treated with specific antibiotics, for example, vancomycin (Vancocin) or metronidazole (Flagyl).

C. difficile is transmitted from person to person by the fecal-oral route, however, the organism forms large numbers of heat-resistant spores, and these are not killed by alcohol-based hand cleansers or routine cleaning of surfaces. Thus these spores remain viable in the hospital or nursing home environment for long periods of time, and because of this, the bacteria can be cultured from almost any surface in the hospital. Once spores are ingested by a patient, they pass through the stomach unscathed because of their acid-resistance. They germinate into vegetative cells in the colon upon exposure to bile acids, and multiply.

Several disinfectants commonly used in hospitals are ineffective against C. difficile spores, and may actually promote spore formation. However, disinfectants containing bleach are effective in killing the organisms.[18]

History

Initially named bacillus difficilis by Hall and O'Toole in 1935 because it was resistant to early attempts at isolation and grew very slowly in culture, it was renamed in 1970.[19] [20]

Diagnosis

Cytotoxicity assay

C. difficile toxins have a cytopathic effect in cell culture, and neutralized with specific anti-sera is the practical gold standard for studies investigating new CDAD diagnostic techniques.[2] Toxigenic culture, in which organisms are cultured on selective medium and tested for toxin production, remains the gold standard and is the most sensitive and specific test, although it is slow and labour-intensive.[21]

Toxin ELISA

Assessment of the A and B toxins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for toxin A or B (or both) has a sensitivity of 63–99% and a specificity of 93–100%: at a prevalence of 15%, this leads to a positive predictive value (PPV) of 73% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%.[citation needed]

Experts recommend sending as many as three samples to rule out disease if initial tests are negative. C. difficile toxin should clear from the stool of previously infected patients if treatment is effective. However, many hospitals test only for the prevalent toxin A. Strains that express only the B toxin are now present in many hospitals, and ordering both toxins should occur.[22][23] Not testing for both may contribute to a delay in obtaining laboratory results, which is often the cause of prolonged illness and poor outcomes.

Other stool tests

Stool leukocyte measurements and stool lactoferrin levels have also been proposed as diagnostic tests, but may have limited diagnostic accuracy.[24]

Computed tomography

In a recent study, a patient who received a diagnosis of CDC on the basis of computed tomography (CT scan) had an 88% probability of testing positive on stool assay.[25] Wall thickening is the key CT finding in this disease. Once colon wall thickening is identified as being >4 mm, the best ancillary findings were pericolonic stranding, ascites, and colon wall nodularity. The presence of wall thickness plus any one of these ancillary findings is 70% sensitive and 93% specific.

Using criteria of ≥10 mm or a wall thickness of >4 mm and any of the more-specific findings does not add significantly to the diagnosis but gives equally satisfactory results. In this study with a prevalence of positive C. difficile toxin of 54%, the PPV was 88%. Patients who have antibiotic-associated diarrhea who have CT findings diagnostic of CDC merit consideration for treatment on that basis.

Real-Time PCR

By the end of 2009, 3 different Real-Time PCR tests had achieved 510(k) clearance from the FDA.[citation needed] Cepheid's GeneXpert is by far the fastest and easiest of the three, but it is also the most expensive. Cepheid uses a cartridge based kit that is tailored for small hospitals or labs without the ability to batch large numbers of samples together. In fact, batching is not required since the extraction occurs in the same vial as amplification of the target, positive, and negative controls. The reported time from sample to result is ~45 minutes.

Prodesse offers another kit based IVD Real-Time PCR test (ProGastro Cd) which uses an external extraction and purification on the Roche MagnaPure. Prodesse (Gen-Probe) tech support claims this external separation produces higher yields than the BD GeneOhm. The Prodesse technique is similar in price to the BD GeneOhm technique after one includes the price of the extraction and takes about three hours from sample to result.

The final IVD Clostridium difficile Real Time PCR test on the market since 2009 is from BD GeneOhm. The protocol uses a glass-bead lysis rather than an extraction, but results are reported to be good and the method shaves a little over an hour off the protocol time (about 1 hour 45 minutes from sample to result). Total costs for the Prodesse and BD GeneOhm tests are approximately the same.

For each test, sensitivities are generally reported as 95-99% and specificities as 92-96%, depending on the tests and the size of the patient pool.[citation needed]

Prevention

The most effective method for preventing CDAD is proper antimicrobial prescribing. In the hospital setting, where CDAD is most common, nearly all patients that develop CDAD are exposed to antimicrobials. Although proper antimicrobial prescribing sounds easy to do, approximately 50% of antimicrobial use is considered inappropriate. This is consistent whether in the hospital, clinic, community, or academic setting. Several studies[citation needed] have demonstrated a decrease in CDAD by limiting antibiotics most strongly associated with CDAD or by limiting unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing in general, both in outbreak and non-outbreak settings.

In Britain, the testing of all hospital inpatients over the age of 65 with diarrhea for C. difficile became a compulsory NHS practice in January 2008, when it became evident that many outbreaks were being disguised as Norovirus in the UK, by hospital Risk Managers, who can be dismissed by the Department of Health if C. difficile infection rates are too high, but cannot be dismissed as a result of a Norovirus outbreak.[citation needed] Patients most at risk are those with recent broad-spectrum antibiotic and proton-pump inhibitor treatments.

Infection control measures, such as wearing gloves when caring for patients with CDAD, have been proven to be effective at prevention. This works by limiting the spread of C. difficile in the hospital setting. In addition, washing with soap and water will eliminate the spores from contaminated hands, but alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective.[26] Bleach wipes containing 0.55 percent sodium hypochlorite have been shown to kill the spores and prevent transmission between patients.[27]

Soil-containing potted plants can serve as a reservoir for the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi and for this reason many hospital systems restrict the use of soil-containing potted plants. To help mitigate serious infections and development of multidrug-resistant organisms in long-term and acute hospital settings, soil-containing potted plants should not be used, especially in areas of direct patient care, such as offices, rooms and hallways of hospital wards. Alternatives to soil-containing plants are available.

Treatment with various oral supplements containing live bacteria has been studied in efforts to prevent Clostridium difficile-associated infection/disease. A randomized controlled trial using a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei, L bulgaricus, and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus was reported to have some efficacy. This study was sponsored by the company that produces the drink studied.[28] Although intriguing, several other studies have been unable to demonstrate any benefit of oral supplements of similar bacteria at preventing CDAD.[citation needed] Of note, patients on the antibiotics most strongly associated with CDAD were excluded from this study.

Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) systems used to sterilize a patient room post discharge has been shown to reduce infection rates and to reduce risk of infection to subsequent patients. One study (Boyce et al. 2008) showed that incidence of CDAD was reduced by 53% though use of HPV, a second study (Manian et al. 2010) showed only a 42% reduction in CDAD rates through use of HPV.

In a limited clinical trial, a C. difficile anti-toxoid vaccine was reported to improve patient outcomes. Further testing will be required to validate this trial.[29]

Treatment

Asymptomatic colonization with C. difficile is common. Treatment in asymptomatic patients is controversial, also leading into the debate of clinical surveillance and how it intersects with public health policy. Mild cases generally do not require specific treatment.[2][30]

Patients should be treated as soon as possible when the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) is made to avoid frank sepsis or bowel perforation. To reduce complications, physicians often begin treatment based on clinical presentation before definitive results are available. Knowledge of the local epidemiology of intestinal flora of a particular institution can guide therapy. In addition, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is useful in retaining fluids during the duration of diarrhoea.

Medications

Three antibiotics are specifically effective against C. difficile in vivo :

  • Metronidazole is the drug of choice, because of lower price and comparable efficacy.[31]
  • Oral vancomycin (125 mg four times daily) is second-line therapy, but is often avoided due to concerns of converting intestinal flora into vancomycin-resistant organisms.[32][33] Vancomycin is the treatment of choice in the following cases: no response to oral metronidazole; the organism is resistant to metronidazole; the patient is allergic to metronidazole; the patient is either pregnant or younger than 10 years of age. Vancomycin must be administered orally because intravenous administration does not achieve gut lumen minimum therapeutic concentration. Patients unresponsive to Metronidazole can be placed on 14 days of Vancomycin followed by Rifaximin for another 14 days.
A more recent study by Zar and others[34] showed no difference between vancomycin and metronidazole in mild disease, but that vancomycin was superior to metronidazole for treating severe disease. In this study, severe disease was defined on a point score: One point each was given for age >60 years, temperature >38.3°C, albumin level <2.5 mg/dL, or peripheral WBC count >15,000 cells/mm3 within 48 h of enrollment. Two points were given for endoscopic evidence of pseudomembranous colitis or treatment in the intensive care unit. Severe disease was defined as 2 or more points on this score. The main criticism of this study is that a low, non-standard dose of metronidazole (250 mg) was used instead of (500 mg).

Drugs used to stop diarrhea frequently worsen the course of C. difficile-related pseudomembranous colitis. Loperamide, diphenoxylate and bismuth compounds are contraindicated: slowing of fecal transit time is thought to result in extended toxin-associated damage.

Cholestyramine, a powder drink (an ion exchange resin) which is occasionally used to lower cholesterol, is effective in binding both Toxin A and B, slowing bowel motility and helping prevent dehydration.[36] The dosage can be 4 grams daily, to up to four doses a day; however caution should be exercised to prevent constipation, or drug interactions, most notably the binding of drugs by cholestyramine, preventing their absorption. Cholestyramine is not an anti-infective; it dramatically reduces many of the symptoms of a C. difficile infection, but it is not appropriate to use by itself, as it does not change the infection status. Cholestyramine is usually used in concert with vancomycin. Powdered banana flakes given twice daily are an alternative to cholestyramine, and allow for stool bulking.

Treatment with probiotics ("good" intestinal flora) has also been shown effective.[37] Provision of Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor) or Lactobacillus acidophilus twice daily times 30 days along with antibiotics has been clinically shown to shorten the duration of diarrhoea. A last-resort treatment in immunosuppressed patients is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).[36]

Colectomy

In those patients that develop systemic symptoms of CDC, colectomy may improve the outcome if performed before the need for vasopressors.[citation needed]

Stool transplant

Fecal bacteriotherapy colloquially known as stool transplant, a procedure related to probiotic research, has preliminarily been shown to cure the disease. It involves infusion of bacterial flora acquired from the feces of a healthy donor to reverse the bacterial imbalance responsible for the recurring nature of the infection. In fecal transplantation, donor stool is collected from a close relative who has been tested for a wide array of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. The stool is often mixed with saline or milk to achieve the desired consistency, then delivered through a colonoscope or retention enema, or through a nasogastric or nasoduodenal tube. The procedure replaces normal, healthy colonic flora that had been wiped out by antibiotics, and reestablishes the patient's resistance to colonization by Clostridium difficile. Unfortunately, there is often a patient resistance due to the "ick" factor that needs to be overcome first before proceeding with this often effective treatment.

Currently there are over 150 published reports dating back to 1958 though many more have been performed. It has a success rate of about 90%.[38][39][40] A guide was released in 2010 for home fecal transplantation.[41]

Recurrence

The evolution of protocols for patients with recurrent C. difficile diarrhea also present a challenge: There is no known proper length of time or universally accepted alternative drugs with which one should be treated.[citation needed] However, re-treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin at the previous dose for 10 to 14 days is generally successful. The addition of rifampin to vancomycin also has been effective.[citation needed]

Prognosis

After a first treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin, Clostridium difficile recurs in about 20% of people. This increase to 40% and 60% with subsequent recurrences.[20]

Society and culture

Pronunciation

Scientific names of organisms are Latin or Latinised Greek, in this case one of each. The anglicized pronunciation /klɒsˈtrɪdiəm dɨˈfɪsɨliː/ is common, though a more Classical /dɨˈfɪkɨleɪ/ is also used. A common practice has developed of pronouncing difficile as /diːfiˈsiːl, as though it were French. The pronunciation varies in the wild because this is an example of international scientific vocabulary (ISV). The Classical Latin sound is /dɨˈfɪkɨle/. One may also hear Spanish-influenced sound (/di.ˈfi.si.le/) and Italian- or Church-Latin-influenced sound (/dɪfˈfi.tʃi.le/).

Notable outbreaks

  • June 4, 2003, two outbreaks of a highly virulent strain of this bacterium were reported in Montreal, Quebec and Calgary, Alberta, in Canada. Sources put the death count as low as 36 and as high as 89, with approximately 1,400 cases in 2003 and within the first few months of 2004. C. difficile infections continued to be a problem in the Quebec health care system in late 2004. As of March 2005, it had spread into the Toronto, Ontario area, hospitalizing 10 people. One died while the others were being discharged.
  • A similar outbreak took place at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the United Kingdom between 2003 and 2005. The local epidemiology of C. difficile may offer clues on how its spread may relate to the amount of time a patient spends in hospital and/or a rehabilitation center. It also samples institutions' ability to detect increased rates, and their capacity to respond with more aggressive hand-washing campaigns, quarantine methods, and availability of yoghurt containing live cultures to patients at risk for infection.
  • It has been suggested that both the Canadian and English outbreaks were related to the seemingly more virulent Strain NAP1/027 of bacterium. This novel strain, also known as Quebec strain, has also been implicated in an epidemic at two Dutch hospitals (Harderwijk and Amersfoort, both 2005). A theory for explaining the increased virulence of 027 is that it is a hyperproducer of both toxins A and B, and that certain antibiotics may actually stimulate the bacteria to hyperproduce.
  • October 1, 2006, C. difficile was said to have killed at least 49 people at hospitals in Leicester, England over eight months, according to a National Health Service investigation. Another 29 similar cases were investigated by coroners.[42] A UK Department of Health memo leaked shortly afterwards revealed significant concern in government about the bacterium, described as being "endemic throughout the health service"[43]
  • October 27, 2006, 9 deaths were attributed to the bacterium in Quebec, Canada.[44]
  • November 18, 2006, the bacterium was reported to have been responsible for 12 deaths in Quebec, Canada. This 12th reported death was only two days after the St. Hyacinthe's Honoré Mercier announced that the outbreak was under control. Thirty-one patients were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile and four (as of Sat. Nov 18th) were still under observation. Cleaning crews took measures in an attempt to clear the outbreak.[45]
  • C. difficile was mentioned on 6,480 death certificates in 2006 in UK.[46]
  • February 27, 2007, a new outbreak was identified at Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, where 14 people were diagnosed with the bacteria. The bacteria was of the same strain as the one in Quebec. Officials have not been able to determine whether C. difficile was responsible for deaths of four patients over the prior two months.[47]
  • Between February and June 2007, three patients at Loughlinstown Hospital in Dublin, Ireland were found by the coroner to have died as a result of C. difficile infection. In an inquest, the Coroner's Court found that the hospital had no designated infection control team or consultant microbiologist on staff.[48]
  • November 2007, the 027 strain has spread into several hospitals in southern Finland, with ten deaths out of 115 infected patients reported on 2007-12-14.[51]
  • November 2009, four deaths at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ireland, have possible links to Clostridium difficile infection. A further 12 patients tested positive for infection, and another 20 show signs of infection, 10 November 2009.[52]
  • March 2010, From February 2009 to February 2010 199 patients at Herlev hospital in Denmark was suspected of being infected with the 027 strain. In the first half of 2009, 29 died in hospitals in Copenhagen after they were infected with the bacterium[53]
  • May 2010, A total of 138 patients at four different hospitals in Denmark infected with the 027 strain ( Herlev, Amager, Gentofte and Hvidovre) plus some isolated occurrences at other hospitals.[54]

Research

Genome sequencing

The first complete genome sequence of a Clostridium difficile strain was first published in 2005 by Sanger Institute in the UK. This was of the C. difficile strain 630, a virulent and multidrug-resistant strain isolated in Switzerland in 1982. Recently, scientists at Sanger Institute have also sequenced genomes of about 30 Clostridium difficile isolates using next generation sequencing technologies from 454 Life Sciences and Illumina[citation needed].

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, sequenced the genome of the highly virulent Quebec strain of C. difficile in 2005 using ultra-high-throughput sequencing technology. The tests involved doing 400,000 DNA parallel sequencing reactions of the bacterium's genome which had been fragmented for sequencing. These sequences were assembled computationally to form a complete genome sequence.[11][55]

Treatment

  • CDA-1 and CDB-1 (also known as MDX-066/MDX-1388 and MBL-CDA1/MBL-CDB1) is an investigational, monoclonal antibody combination co-developed by Medarex and Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) to target and neutralize C. difficile toxins A and B, for the treatment of CDI. Merck & Co., Inc. gained worldwide rights to develop and commercialize CDA-1 and CDB-1 through an exclusive license agreement signed in April 2009. It is intended as an add-on therapy to one of the existing antibiotics to treat CDI.
  • Nitazoxanide is a synthetic nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative indicated as an antiprotozoal agent (FDA-approved for the treatment of infectious diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia) and is also currently being studied in C. difficile infections vs. vancomycin.
  • Rifaximin is a clinical-stage semi synthetic, rifamycin-based non-systemic antibiotic for CDI. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of infectious diarrhea and being developed by Salix Pharmaceuticals.

See also

References

  1. ^ American Heritage Dictionary (4th ed.). 2000. Retrieved 2009-02-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ryan KJ, Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 322–4. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ Curry J (2007-07-20). "Pseudomembranous Colitis". eMedicine. WebMD. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  4. ^ Binion DG (2010). "Clostridium difficile and IBD". Inflamm Bowel Dis Monit. 11 (1): 7–14.
  5. ^ Katz DA, Lynch ME, Littenberg B (1996). "Clinical prediction rules to optimize cytotoxin testing for Clostridium difficile in hospitalized patients with diarrhea". Am. J. Med. 100 (5): 487–95. doi:10.1016/S0002-9343(95)00016-X. PMID 8644759.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Larson H, Price A, Honour P, Borriello S (1978). "Clostridium difficile and the aetiology of pseudomembranous colitis". Lancet. 1 (8073): 1063–6. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(78)90912-1. PMID 77366.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Clabots CR, Johnson S, Olson MM, Peterson LR, Gerding DN (1992). "Acquisition of Clostridium difficile by hospitalized patients: evidence for colonized new admissions as a source of infection". J. Infect. Dis. 166 (3): 561–7. doi:10.1093/infdis/166.3.561. PMID 1323621. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Pépin J, Saheb N, Coulombe MA; et al. (2005). "Emergence of fluoroquinolones as the predominant risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: a cohort study during an epidemic in Quebec". Clin. Infect. Dis. 41 (9): 1254–60. doi:10.1086/496986. PMID 16206099. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Dr Ralf-Peter Vonberg. "Clostridium difficile: a challenge for hospitals". European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology: IHE. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
  10. ^ Howell MD, Novack V, Grgurich P; et al. (2010). "Iatrogenic gastric acid suppression and the risk of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection". Arch. Intern. Med. 170 (9): 784–90. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.89. PMID 20458086. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ a b Loo V, Poirier L, Miller M; et al. (2005). "A predominantly clonal multi-institutional outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea with high morbidity and mortality". N Engl J Med. 353 (23): 2442–9. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa051639. PMID 16322602. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ McDonald L (2005). "Clostridium difficile: responding to a new threat from an old enemy" (PDF). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 26 (8): 672–5. doi:10.1086/502600. PMID 16156321.
  13. ^ Rupnik, M, Wilcox, M, & Gerding, D (2009). "Clostridium difficile infection: new developments in epidemiology and pathogenesis" (PDF). Nature Reviews Microbiology. 7 (7): 526–36. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2164. PMID 19528959.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ "Scientists probe whether C. difficile is linked to eating meat". CBC News. 2006-10-04.
  15. ^ Halsey J (2008). "Current and future treatment modalities for Clostridium difficile-associated disease". Am J Health Syst Pharm. 65 (8): 705–15. doi:10.2146/ajhp070077. PMID 18387898. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Just I, Selzer J, von Eichel-Streiber C, Aktories K (1995). "The low molecular mass GTP-binding protein Rho is affected by toxin A from Clostridium difficile". J. Clin. Invest. 95 (3): 1026–31. doi:10.1172/JCI117747. PMC 441436. PMID 7883950. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Barth H, Aktories K, Popoff M, Stiles B (2004). "Binary bacterial toxins: biochemistry, biology, and applications of common Clostridium and Bacillus proteins". Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 68 (3): 373–402, table of contents. doi:10.1128/MMBR.68.3.373-402.2004. PMC 515256. PMID 15353562.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "Cleaning agents 'make bug strong'". BBC News Online. 2006-04-03. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  19. ^ Hall I, O'Toole E (1935). "Intestinal flora in newborn infants with a description of a new pathogenic anaerobe, Bacillus difficilis". Am J Dis Child. 49: 390.
  20. ^ a b Kelly CP, LaMont JT (2008). "Clostridium difficile—more difficult than ever". N. Engl. J. Med. 359 (18): 1932–40. doi:10.1056/NEJMra0707500. PMID 18971494. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ Murray PR, Baron EJ, Pfaller EA, Tenover F, Yolken RH (editors) (2003). Manual of Clinical Microbiology (8th ed.). Washington DC: ASM Press. ISBN 1-55581-255-3. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help); Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Anna Salleh (2009-03-02). "Researchers knock down gastro bug myths". ABC Science Online. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
  23. ^ Lyras; et al. (2009). "Toxin B is essential for virulence of Clostridium difficile". {{cite web}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  24. ^ Vaishnavi C, Bhasin D, Kochhar R, Singh K (2000). "Clostridium difficile toxin and faecal lactoferrin assays in adult patients". Microbes Infect. 2 (15): 1827–30. doi:10.1016/S1286-4579(00)01343-5. PMID 11165926.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Kirkpatrick ID, Greenberg HM (2001). "Evaluating the CT diagnosis of Clostridium difficile colitis: should CT guide therapy?". AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 176 (3): 635–9. PMID 11222194.
  26. ^ http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563232
  27. ^ "Intervention drops hospital infection rate by 1/3". physorg.com. 19 March 2010.
  28. ^ Hickson M, D'Souza AL, Muthu N; et al. (2007). "Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial". BMJ. 335 (7610): 80. doi:10.1136/bmj.39231.599815.55. PMC 1914504. PMID 17604300. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Mattila E, Anttila VJ, Broas M; et al. (2008). "A randomized, double-blind study comparing Clostridium difficile immune whey and metronidazole for recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea: Efficacy and safety data of a prematurely interrupted trial". Scand. J. Infect. Dis. 40 (9): 1–7. doi:10.1080/00365540801964960. PMID 18609231. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Nelson R; Nelson, Richard L (2007). Nelson, Richard L (ed.). "Antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3): CD004610. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004610.pub3. PMID 17636768.
  31. ^ Teasley DG, Gerding DN, Olson MM; et al. (1983). "Prospective randomised trial of metronidazole versus vancomycin for Clostridium-difficile-associated diarrhoea and colitis". Lancet. 2 (8358): 1043–6. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(83)91036-X. PMID 6138597. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Morris JG Jr, Shay DK, Hebden JN; et al. (1995). "Ann Intern Med". 123: 250–9. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ Rao GG, Ojo F, Kolokithas D (1997). "Vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci: risk factors for faecal carriage". J Hosp Infect. 35 (1): 63–9. doi:10.1016/S0195-6701(97)90169-9. PMID 9032637.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Zar FA, Bakkanagari SR, Moorthi KM, Davis MB (2007). "A comparison of vancomycin and metronidazole for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, stratified by disease severity". Clin Infect Dis. 45 (3): 302–7. doi:10.1086/519265. PMID 17599306.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm257024.htm
  36. ^ a b Stroehlein J (2004). "Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection". Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 7 (3): 235–239. doi:10.1007/s11938-004-0044-y. PMID 15149585.
  37. ^ "Inhibition of Clostridium difficile strains by intestinal Lactobacillus species". Society for General Microbiology. Retrieved 2008-09-17.
  38. ^ Schwan A, Sjölin S, Trottestam U, Aronsson B (1983). "Relapsing clostridium difficile enterocolitis cured by rectal infusion of homologous faeces". Lancet. 2 (8354): 845. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(83)90753-5. PMID 6137662.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ Paterson D, Iredell J, Whitby M (1994). "Putting back the bugs: bacterial treatment relieves chronic diarrhoea". Med J Aust. 160 (4): 232–3. PMID 8309401.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Borody T (2000). ""Flora Power" - fecal bacteria cure chronic C. difficile diarrhea" (PDF). Am J Gastroenterol. 95 (11): 3028–9. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03277.x. PMID 11095314.
  41. ^ Silverman MS, Davis I, Pillai DR (2010). "Success of self-administered home fecal transplantation for chronic Clostridium difficile infection". Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 8 (5): 471–3. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2010.01.007. PMID 20117243.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ "Trust confirms 49 superbug deaths". BBC News.
  43. ^ Nigel Hawkes (2007-01-11). "Leaked memo reveals that targets to beat MRSA will not be met". The Times. London. Retrieved 2007-01-11.
  44. ^ "C. difficile blamed for 9 death in hospital near Montreal". cNews. 11 January 200. Retrieved 2007-01-11.
  45. ^ "12th person dies of C. difficile at Quebec hospital". CBC News. 18 November 2006.
  46. ^ Hospitals struck by new killer bug An article by Manchester free newspaper 'Metro', May 7, 2008
  47. ^ CTV Toronto - C. difficile outbreak linked to fatal strain - CTV News, Shows and Sports - Canadian Television
  48. ^ "Superbug in hospitals linked to four deaths". Irish Independent. 10 October 2007.
  49. ^ Healthcare Commission press release: Healthcare watchdog finds significant failings in infection control at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, 11 October 2007
  50. ^ "Health Secretary intervenes in superbug row". Daily Telegraph. 11 October 2007.
  51. ^ Ärhäkkä suolistobakteeri on tappanut jo kymmenen potilasta - HS.fi - Kotimaa
  52. ^ "Possible C Diff link to Drogheda deaths". RTE News. 10 November 2009.
  53. ^ 199 hit by the killer diarrhea at Herlev Hospital , BT 3'th march 2010
  54. ^ Four hospitals affected by the dangerous bacterium , TV2 News May 7'th 2010
  55. ^ Scientists map C. difficile strain - Institute of Public Affairs, Montreal

Further reading

Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Clostridioides_difficile_infection&oldid=436966886"