Study Design: Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are an increasing population due to recent military conflicts. SCI patients are at an increased risk of infection, but the epidemiology management and prevention strategies for these infections are unclear. Objective: To review the incidence, microbiology and management of pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), urinary tract infections (UTI) and bloodstream infections in the SCI population via literature review. Methods: With the assistance of an experienced medical librarian, we developed a search strategy for the Ovid MEDLINE database and then adapted it for the Ovid Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The databases were searched from their inception to April 2014 with no restrictions on language or time period. Data were extracted using a standardized form. All studies were reviewed by two independent investigators. Results: Forty-one studies reporting on the described infections were identified. UTIs were the most commonly identified infections, but studies failed to identify consistently effective preventive strategies. SSTIs were also common, and the best preventive strategies focused on decubitus ulcer prevention and skin decolonization protocols. Pneumonia management and course were not significantly different from the general population. Bloodstream infections were associated with delays in recognition, and were most often secondary to UTI, pneumonia or SSTI. Conclusion: There is a paucity of literature on consistently effective infection prevention strategies in SCI patients. Identification and implementation of evidence-based interventions that optimize prevention and management of infections in this patient population are needed. Spinal Cord (2017) 55, 526-534; doi:10.1038/sc.2016.173; published online 6 December 2016 INTRODUCTIONSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a medically complex and life-disrupting condition affecting about a quarter million Americans. 1 Its incidence varies widely from country to country, but~12 000 new cases are reported each year in the United States, with a recent increase most likely associated with present military conflicts. 2,3 SCI is the result of a trauma at any level of the spinal cord causing temporary or permanent damage. Motor vehicle accidents, falls and gunshot wounds are some of the most common causes of SCI among the civilian population, responsible for 39%, 28% and 14% of cases, respectively. 3 Individuals with SCI are at high risk for both community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections due to factors such as frequent contact with the healthcare system and frequent and chronic use of invasive medical devices such as urinary and intravascular catheters. 4,5 This population is also vulnerable by limitations in clearing the airway of secretions due to restricted breathing, and abnormal sensation leading to altered or absent symptoms to indicate early infection. Bloodstream infection (BSI) is one of the most common infections leading to hospital admission, followed by urinary tract infection ...

IntroductionClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a severe and increasingly frequent healthcare-associated infection that develops after disruption of the gut microbiota. Immunocompromised, hospitalized patients have an increased likelihood of acquiring CDI, leading to lengthened hospital stays, increased medical fees, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of CDI is challenging because of limited treatment options and a 19–20% recurrence rate. Thus, there is a need for effective, affordable and safe treatments for CDI. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the transplantation of donor stool into the intestine of a CDI patient to restore the structure and function of the gut microbiota and eradicate CDI. Recently, FMT has become an attractive alternative treatment for CDI due to its overwhelming success rate. However, the patient perspective on the effect of CDI and the role of FMT in that context is lacking.MethodsWe undertook a patient survey to gather qualitative and quantitative data on the short-term social, physical, emotional outcomes for patients with CDI who have undergone FMT.ResultsWe found in all patients interviewed that the social implications of CDI were generally more severe than the emotional and physical aspects.ConclusionFuture studies should consider evaluating these important patient-centered factors as outcomes. Moreover, patients are willing to undergo FMT as treatment for CDI.