Results
Introduction
This international web-based survey was designed to learn more about Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) by soliciting a response from healthcare professionals responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as the development and implementation of procedures related to management of CDAD. Data from respondents will provide additional information regarding determinants of colonization and disease. Furthermore, important insight from these data will be obtained, leading to advancements in preventive techniques and the management of future outbreaks of C. difficile infection.
Geographical Distribution of Participants
Results
The results are collected online in a database that is updated in real time. As of November 1, 2006, 1,841 healthcare professionals have participated in the CDAD Surveillance Project. In an effort to raise awareness regarding CDAD, the results will be presented periodically at national meetings.
Conclusions
- The epidemiology of CDAD has continued to evolve.
- US-based clinicians report the enzyme immunoassay for Toxins A and B is the diagnostic method more commonly used compared with clinicians from the rest of the world.
- There is a lack of uniformity of markers used to classify patients as having severe CDAD.
- Based on clinicians’ perceptions, US centers are experiencing larger increases in CDAD patient caseload, patients with severe CDAD, treatment relapses, and attributable colectomies.
- Continued CDAD surveillance and education should be encouraged to further elaborate on the epidemiology of
this re-emerging disease.
Acknowledgments
- Infectious Diseases Society of America's Emerging Infections Network CDAD Survey Team
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), Association for Professionals in Infection Control and
Epidemiology (APIC), The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) - L. Clifford McDonald, MD
- Judith O’Donnell, MD
- Robert Michael Healthcare Alliance LLC
.