Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infections in the Clinical Center of University of Debrecen between 2011-2014

Clostridium difficile incidence has been constantly increasing and is now recognized as being four times more common than MRSA, and has been placed on the urgent list by the CDC with respect to antibiotic resistance. With this knowledge, we embarked on a journey to study its trend in the UDMHSC. The Medbakter software was employed in this study. Using specific entries of interest: Positive stool culture for C.Difficile toxins- a laboratory diagnosis of C.difficile toxins A, B. Together with clinical diarrhea, from hospital records, and certain exclusion criteria, CDI diagnosis was made following ESCMID guidelines. From 2011 to 2014 a total of 501 cases were recorded.2011 had 56 cases, this increased to 86 cases (6.6% increase) in 2012.A 19.3% increase in 2013 to 186 cases, and a 3.2% decrease in 2014 to 170 cases. This objective study has shown that the CDI has been increasing at the institute. Measures should be taken to reduce the CDI burden. These steps include, but are not limited to (1) antibiotic stewardship. (2) Physician education in lowering clinical suspicion for CDI. (3) yearly seminars in departments with highest cases of CDI. (4) Departmental posters reinforcing hygienic practices such as hand washing between patients, and contact isolation. This study should not just be a point of reference for future papers, but rather should be carried out every year, to firstly quantify the infection rate, and then track the effectivity of recommended infection control protocols.