Update on Clostridioides difficile Infection in Older Adults

Curtis J Donskey

doi:10.1016/j.idc.2022.10.001

Update on Clostridioides difficile Infection in Older Adults

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;37(1):87-102. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.10.001.

Author

Curtis J Donskey¹

Affiliation

¹ Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 36805016
DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.10.001

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile is a common cause of community-associated and health care-associated infections. Older adults are disproportionately affected, and long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have borne a substantial proportion of the burden of C difficile infection (CDI). Recurrences of CDI are common in older adults and have substantial adverse effects on quality of life. Appropriate diagnostic testing and management is essential for older adults in the community and in LTCFs. This review focuses on current concepts related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of CDI in older adults.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile infection; Fecal microbiota transplant; Long-term care facility; Older adults.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Aged
Clostridioides difficile*
Clostridium Infections* / diagnosis
Clostridium Infections* / drug therapy
Clostridium Infections* / epidemiology
Cross Infection* / diagnosis
Cross Infection* / epidemiology
Health Facilities
Humans
Quality of Life