Clostridium difficile infection and the role of the fecal microbiota transplant

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium capable of colonizing the colon and producing acute diarrhea. It is one of the most important nosocomial infections that causes high morbidity at the hospital level. The infection clinic is extensive ranging from asymptomatic carriers to fulminant colitis, with acute diarrhea being the main manifestation. Diagnosis is always suspected in any patient with acute diarrhea and risk factors; and is confirmed with a stool test capable of detecting toxins or the Clostridium difficile gene. Treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, usually using broad-spectrum antibiotics sensitive to the bacteria such as metronidazole, vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Sometimes surgery is indicated, although it is not the most common. For patients with multiple recurrences, treatment with the highest evidence of a cure rate is fecal microbiota transplantation. Prevention with isolation and hand washing measures is of paramount importance to prevent transmission between patients at the hospital level.