Clostridioides difficile infection

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (45 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

11

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

10 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. This obligate anaerobic bacillus is recognized for its ability to produce toxins and cause diarrhea, which is often associated with antibiotic usage. Although traditionally considered a primary healthcare-associated infection, C difficile is also increasingly diagnosed within community settings. The emergence of the newer, hypervirulent, antibiotic-resistant, epidemic strain—ribotype 027, also known as the North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1 (or NAP1) strain—has resulted in increased frequency and severity of infections over the last 2 decades. C difficile infection ranges from asymptomatic carriage to severe conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon, which can lead to fatal outcomes. As a primary cause of healthcare-associated colitis, this bacterium presents a significant public health challenge due to its transmissibility and associated morbidity and mortality. 

Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and is confirmed through stool testing. Treatment involves implementing infection control measures, discontinuing the causative antibiotics, and administering appropriate medication based on evidence-based guidelines. However, testing and treatment are not recommended for asymptomatic individuals. Early recognition and management are crucial in controlling the spread of the infection and mitigating the impact of C difficile infection. This activity examines the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of infections caused by the C difficile bacterium. This activity also highlights the interprofessional healthcare team's roles in assessing, diagnosing, and treating infections caused by C difficile.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify risk factors associated with Clostridioides difficile infections in patients, such as recent antibiotic use, hospitalization, and previous C difficile history.

  • Screen patients with diarrhea for Clostridioides difficile infections using appropriate diagnostic tests, considering their symptoms, signs, recent healthcare exposure, and antibiotic use.

  • Apply appropriate treatment modalities for Clostridioides difficile infections, including antimicrobial therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, and surgical intervention when indicated.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize Clostridioides difficile infections and coordinate care for patients across different healthcare settings to ensure continuity and prevent recurrence.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Preeti P. on 6/20/2021

Larry M. on 7/21/2021

Lori N. on 9/18/2021

Travis V. on 2/21/2022

Ehsan Q. on 6/2/2022

Louie L. on 8/29/2022

Christine G. on 10/27/2022

Scott R. on 12/4/2022

John M. on 12/11/2022

Dr.NIRMALA M. on 12/16/2022

Christine G. on 1/9/2023

Ehsan Q. on 3/12/2023

Thuan N. on 4/24/2023

Manreet K. on 5/10/2023

Walter P. on 6/6/2023

Laxmi S. on 6/7/2023

Excellent activity. Highly recommended!

Bernadette M. on 6/24/2023

Miguel D. on 7/17/2023

Michelle C. on 8/17/2023

Shearin H. on 9/10/2023

Clarivel T. on 9/20/2023

Syeda A. on 9/25/2023

Paula R. on 10/10/2023

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syed nasir h. on 10/31/2024

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