Antibiotic Overuse is a Major Risk Factor for Clostridium difficile Infection in Surgical Patients

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with increased cost, morbidity, and mortality in postoperative patients. Variable rates of postoperative CDI are reported among 4 surgical specialties during the 30-month study period. Risk factors for CDI include antibiotic use, increased ASA score, and increased admissions in the past year.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1254–1257