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A recent study has shed light on the growing burden of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among hospitalized adults in eastern India, revealing an incidence rate of 9%. The study, published in Cureus, identifies prolonged hospital stays and broad-spectrum antibiotic use as significant risk factors for CDI.
The prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between October 2022 and March 2023, involving 200 adult inpatients. Researchers analyzed stool samples for C. difficile toxins A and B using enzyme immunoassays. The findings indicated that male patients (60%) and those admitted for acute febrile illness (36%) were the most affected by CDI.
One of the study’s key findings was the prolonged hospital stay among CDI patients, averaging 8.0 ± 1.53 days compared to 3.75 ± 1.25 days in those without CDI (p < 0.001). The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly third-generation cephalosporins, was strongly associated with CDI development. Additionally, the presence of fecal leukocytes in all CDI-positive patients suggested its potential as an early diagnostic marker.
Given these findings, the study emphasizes the need for cautious antibiotic prescribing and early diagnostic interventions to better manage and mitigate CDI in hospital settings.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a published study and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns.
Source: Cureus Study
