C. diff infections on the rise
Infection Control Weekly Monitor, May 13, 2009
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If you’re on swine flu overload, a recent increase in C. diff infections may help divert your attention.
A survey conducted by APIC and published this month in the American Journal of Infection Control, concludes that C. diff has been increasing among inpatient healthcare facilities nationwide. The disease is sickening many more patients than previously estimated, APIC said in a press release.
The survey indicates that 13 out of every 1,000 patients were either infected or colonized with C. diff, 6.5 to 20 times greater than previous estimates. The cost associated with these infections totals anywhere from $17.6 to $51.5. In addition, 82% of respondents said C. diff rates had not decreased over the past three years.
To reduce the risk of infection, APIC has published a “Guide to the Elimination of Clostirdium difficile in Healthcare Settings.”
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