Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea: An increased problem.

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea is a major health problem that seems to be on the increase. In our study, we analyse the changes in the incidence of this infection over the last 11 years.

METHODS: A descriptive study in hospitalised patients with Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla (Santander, Spain) from 2004 to 2014.

RESULTS: A total of 244 adults were identified [53% men; 66 (SD 15) years]. The cases of nosocomial acquisition (80%), with respect to community acquired Clostridium difficile infection, were older [67 (SD 15) years vs. 63 (19) years; P=.01), high comorbidity (86% vs. 75%; P=.01), use of antibiotics (95% vs. 75%; P<.001) and proton pump inhibitors (87% vs. 48% P<.001). There has been an increasing incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in our hospital over an 11-year period.

CONCLUSION: The clinical profile of patients with Clostridium difficile diarrhoea varies by place of acquisition of infection. The prevalence of this disease is increasing.