CDC: C. diff Caused Half a Million Infections in a Single Year

The CDC has released a new study that reveals Clostridium difficile (or C. diff) caused almost half a million infections in U.S. patients in a single year.

Of those infected, 29,000 died within 30 days of their initial diagnosis. Fifteen thousand of those deaths are estimated to be directly attributable to C. diff infection. Of particular concern for long-term care, more than 80 percent of the deaths associated directly with C. diff occurred in adults 65 years or older and more than 100,000 cases develop in nursing homes each year.

C. diff causes colon inflammation and deadly diarrhea. Infection can occur through touching surfaces or items that are contaminated with feces. C. diff is shed through feces.

The new CDC study revealed that one out of every five patients with healthcare-associated C. diff experienced a recurrence of the infection and one out of every nine patients aged 65 or older died within 30 days of diagnosis.

The CDC noted that these infections can be prevented by improving infection control and antibiotic prescribing.

To read the press release, click here.