Understanding Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium difficile Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Seth T. Walk, Vincent B. Young
Primary Institution: University of Michigan Health System
Hypothesis
How do antibiotic-induced changes in gut microbiota affect the risk of Clostridium difficile infection?
Conclusion
Antibiotic treatment can significantly alter gut microbiota, increasing susceptibility to infections like Clostridium difficile.
Supporting Evidence
- 5%–25% of patients on antibiotics develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- C. difficile is the most common cause of pathogen-associated antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- 60% of critically ill patients in intensive care units developed diarrhea after antibiotic treatment.
Takeaway
When people take antibiotics, it can upset the good bacteria in their tummy, making them sick with diarrhea or infections.
Methodology
The study reviews microbial ecology and its impact on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infection.
Limitations
The study primarily discusses existing literature and lacks original experimental data.
Participant Demographics
The study includes adult outpatients and hospitalized patients, with a focus on those aged 18 and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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