Clostridium difficilein Long-Term–Care Facilities for the Elderly

Abstract

AbstractAntimicrobial agents are among the most frequently prescribed medications in long-term–care facilities (LTCFs). Therefore, it is not surprising thatClostridium difficilecolonization andC. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) occur commonly in elderly LTCF residents.C. difficilehas been identified as the most common cause of non-epidemic acute diarrheal illness in nursing homes, and outbreaks of CDAD in LTCFs have also been recognized. This position paper reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of CDAD in elderly residents of LTCFs and, using available evidence, provides recommendations for the management ofC. difficilein this setting.