Which patients are at increased risk for C. difficile-associated disease?
• antibiotic exposure • gastrointestinal surgery/manipulation • long length of stay in healthcare settings • a serious underlying illness • immunocompromising conditions • advanced age What is the difference between C. difficile colonization and C. difficile-associated disease? C. difficile colonization • patient exhibits NO clinical symptoms • patient tests positive for C. difficile organism and/or its toxin • more common than C. difficile-associated disease C. difficile-associated disease • patient exhibits clinical symptoms • patient tests positive for the C.
