Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2010
ReviewClostridium difficile: an update for the primary care clinician.
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an important cause of intestinal disease, primarily affecting hospitalized patients exposed to antibiotics. Infection has been associated with prolonged hospital stays and excess healthcare expenditures. Recent changes in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of CDI have occurred, leading to renewed scrutiny of this pathogen. ⋯ Furthermore, oral metronidazole may not be as effective as oral vancomycin for patients with severe CDI. New therapies are being investigated for patients with recurrent disease. This review highlights the new developments in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of CDI, serving as an up-to-date resource for primary care clinicians.