Clostridioides difficile infection: guidance on management and treatment

The report was produced by the Department of Health/Public Health Laboratory Service Joint Working Group, for infection control teams, consultants in communicable disease control and clinicians in response to a steady rise in the number of clostridium difficile infections and prolonged outbreaks in hospitals over the decade preceding the guidance. The report outlines the nature and epidemiological trends plus cost of infections caused by C. difficile and the current knowledge available. General guidance is given on antibiotic policies due to the importance and impact that antibiotic treatment has in predisposing patients to C. difficile, and the importance of informed decision making using clear case definitions to correctly recognise and manage an outbreak is stressed. The chapter on prevention and control includes guidance on ensuring that patients do not become susceptible through disruption of their normal gut flora and on preventing cross infection/outbreaks as far as possible. Laboratory investigation of C. difficile-associated diarrhoea both of sporadic cases and as routine diagnosis and investigation of an outbreak are included. An appendix with recommended infection control procedures to prevent transmission of C. difficile infection in clinical areas forms a useful basis for local guidelines and policy.