Potential for transmission of spores by patients awaiting laboratory testing to confirm suspected Clostridium difficile infection

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2013 Mar;34(3):306-8. doi: 10.1086/669510. Epub 2013 Jan 23.

Abstract

In a prospective study of inpatients tested for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), skin and environmental contamination were common at the time of the order for CDI testing, and there were often delays in completion of testing. Preemptive isolation of patients with suspected CDI may reduce the risk of transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Clostridium Infections / complications
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Clostridium Infections / transmission*
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Female
  • Hand / microbiology
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Isolation
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Spores, Bacterial
  • Time Factors