Comité sur les infections nosocomiales du Québec
Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated infectious diarrhea in adults, affecting 0.3–2% of hospitalized patients. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnosis and management of cases of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD) were the subject of a previous publication. The incidence of CDAD varies widely across and within institutions.
In 2003, a marked increase was observed in the incidence, morbidity and mortality of CDAD in Québec. Since 2004, considerable efforts have been made to control this infection. The mobilization of infection prevention and control professionals and the allocation of additional resources have made a difference, with CDAD rates falling to their lowest level in 2009-2010. Despite this significant improvement, CDAD outbreaks occur in most institutions from time to time.
In 2005, the Comité sur les infections nosocomiales du Québec (CINQ) [Québec healthcare-associated…