Clostridium Difficile - Infection, Impact and Intervention

Explore a comprehensive virtual lecture on Clostridium difficile infection, its impact, and intervention strategies. Delve into the nature of this organism, infection mechanisms, transmission routes, and control and prevention methods. Learn about the changing landscape of C. difficile, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and current guidelines. Gain insights into colonization versus infection, symptoms, laboratory tests, and emerging therapies like fecal transplants. Understand the epidemiology, relapse patterns, and best testing strategies recommended by experts. Discover valuable information sources and draw key conclusions about managing this serious condition that can lead to colon destruction.

Intro
How Do You Get C. difficile Disease?
Where do infections come from?
C. difficile Epidemiology
Relapse or New Infection?
Summary Definition of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)
Colonization vs Infection
Symptoms of C. difficile infection
Sequence of events leading to C.difficile infection
Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Prevention of Clostridium difficile infections
Changing Face of C. difficile
Laboratory Tests for C. difficile
Are toxin detection kits sufficiently accurate to be used as single tests to detect C. difficile toxins ?
GDH testing
NAATs for CD toxin genes
If the First PCR is Negative Should I Order Another PCR?
Recommendations 2013
How is C. difficile treated?
Other Treatments for Severe Disease
Fecal Transplants
Information Sources
Best testing strategies - IDSA
Summary and Conclusions