Clostridium difficile

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore forming Gram positive bacillus which is a worldwide enteric pathogen. It is a common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and colitis and was identified as the cause of antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis in the late 1970s. Since 2000, C. difficile infection (CDI) has had a higher profile following reports of increasing rates, mortality and morbidity, and outbreaks have presented significant challenges to many healthcare facilities. CDI was initially associated with hospital acquired infection but community acquired infections are being increasingly recognised.