Risk of CDI in the modern ICU

Dr Mark Loeb is a professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, division director for Infectious Diseases, and Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Infectious Diseases at McMaster University.

Is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) a serious problem in the modern intensive care unit (ICU)?

Mark Loeb, MD, MSc: Yes, in some ICUs it is a serious problem. It really depends.

Because patients are close together and are cared for by health-care workers who might not be washing their hands in-between patients, there is a risk for transmission of C difficile in the environment. This together with a high use of antibiotics creates a risk for C difficile in the ICU.

See also

CDI prevention in the ICU How can we prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the intensive care unit (ICU)?
Acute diarrheal infections in adults: current management A lecture by Dr Mark S. Riddle, from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, USA, delivered at McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine in Kraków in May 2018.
Choosing antibiotics wisely A lecture by Dr Mark Loeb, from McMaster University, Canada, delivered at McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine in Kraków in May 2017.
Probiotics for prophylaxis of traveler’s diarrhea Are probiotics an option in the prophylaxis of traveler’s diarrhea?
Practical tips for TTM Can you share with us some practical tips for targeted temperature management?
Prophylactic antibiotics during travel When should prophylactic antibiotics be considered during travel? What type of antibiotic and what treatment duration are recommended?
First-line antibiotics in sepsis of unknown origin What are the first-line antibiotics in sepsis of unknown origin?
MRSA carriers among hospital personnel Should members of the hospital personnel who do not have direct contact with patients and who are carriers of a multidrug-resistant strain, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, continue to work as normal?

Risk of CDI in the modern ICU

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