IMPACT–CDAD

IMPACT–CDAD from Every Angle

An Acute Crisis

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea in US hospitals and its incidence has nearly doubled over the past decade. In addition to the growing frequency of these infections, the severity of the disease has also increased, leading to greater morbidity and mortality, and a higher frequency of surgery needed for these patients. The increased severity of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) may be related to the spread of a hypervirulent strain that has been the main cause of outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities in the US and Canada. Surveillance and rapid detection of these infections will be critical in managing the spread of CDAD.