Clostridioides difficile infection in intensive care units in nursing practice

Abstract

Introduction: Patients hospitalised in intensive care units (ICU) are patients in severe health, who are at risk of serious hospital infections. Despite the development of medicine, developed procedures, management strategies, and high awareness of medical personnel, hospital infections are still a very big problem. One of the serious hospital infections is Clostridioides difficile, especially in ICU patients, which can even be fatal. The severity of the infection and its complications, which hamper treatment and care, are a challenge for the entire therapeutic team. At the same time, this infection is a major epidemiological threat and increases the cost of treatment. That is why the diagnosis of infection, the application of the recommended treatment, as well as the correct prevention are so important. The basis for preventing the spread of C. difficile infection is hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, patient isolation, maintenance of disinfection, infected patient care, education of visitors, and monitoring and recording of infections. Aim of the study: Discussing current data on treatment in the presence of C. difficile infection and describing problems faced by ICU medical personnel. Conclusions: Following current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment and applying appropriate control procedures and methods contributes to preventing the spread of C. difficile infection in intensive care units.