Abstract
Intestinal infections caused by the Clostridium difficile (CDI) bacterium currently represent a serious medical problem. They belong to the most frequent nosocomial infections and, in some countries, a community-acquired disease with a significantly increased incidence of community associated CDI is reported.
The infection can manifest as mind diarrhea, but also as a life-threatening illness accompanied by paralytic ileus and painful distension of the colon, developing into secondary sepsis. Recurrent forms difficult to manage are a relatively common complication of the disease.
Severity of infection may be influenced by the virulence of the causative strain. Severe course of the disease is associated with ribotypes 027, 078, 001.
In the Czech Republic, ribotypes 001 and 176 have predominated over the last years. Laboratory diagnosis is based on the detection of C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase and free clostridium toxins (A,B) in a diarrheal stool sample or culture of C. difficile in anaerobic conditions.
Metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin are the drugs of choice in the treatment of aC. difficile with administration according to the actual treatment guidelines. Fecal bacteriotherapy is recommended in treatment and prevention of recurrent CDI.
Surgery is indicated in progressive complicated forms when no response to medication is achieved and the patient is in a critical condition.