Incidence and clinical features ofClostridium difficileinfection in Korea: a nationwide study

Abstract

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) have increased in Western countries. However, there are limited data regarding the epidemiology of CDI in Eastern countries. This nationwide study was conducted in 17 hospitals to determine temporal trends in CDI incidence (from 2004 to 2008) in South Korea. The total incidence of CDI in Korea was 1·7 cases/1000 adult admissions in 2004, and 2·7/1000 cases in 2008 (P = 0·028). When analysing the clinical features of 1367 CDI patients diagnosed in 2008, oral metronidazole was effective as a first-line treatment for CDI (61·9%). Relapse rate was 8·9% and complicated CDI was only observed in 3·6%. The incidence of CDI increased significantly in Korea from 2004 to 2008. Although the clinical features were milder than in Western countries, the increasing burden of CDI needs ongoing surveillance systems.

To the Editor: Molecular epidemiology of toxigenic Clostridium difficile isolates in Korea

“…To the Editor Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the commonest cause of nosocomial diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis [1,2]. In their interesting article on the first nationwide study of CDI in Korea, Kim et al provided an insight into the clinical characteristics of CDI in Korea [1].…”

“…In their interesting article on the first nationwide study of CDI in Korea, Kim et al provided an insight into the clinical characteristics of CDI in Korea [1]. In laboratory aspects of this infection, PCR ribotyping of C. difficile has emerged as a useful molecular tool, as it provides information about antibiotic resistance and disease severity (PCR ribotype 027), as well as helping to identify linkages and optimize management of disease outbreaks [3].…”

Detection and characterization of Clostridium difficile infections tracking the trends of Clostridium difficile culture

“…The incidence of CDI in Korea is also rising, and according to a study at a hospital, the number of CDI patients per 10,000 inpatients increased from 1.9 in 1998 to 8.8 in 2007 [8]. Also, according to a study including patient data from 17 hospitals, the incidence of CDI rose with statistical significance from 1.7 cases per 1,000 adult inpatients in 2004 to 2.7 cases in 2008 [9]. Furthermore, the number of deaths due to CDI also rose from 69 in 2008 to 172 in 2011 [10].…”

“…However, since many studies on CDI epidemiology are based on medical record review, which require lots of time and effort, there might be some limitations in conducting studies with more patients and for longer periods of time [8,9,11].…”

What’s New in the Management of Bacterial Infections in the Era of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria?

“…Adapted from Metronidazole at a dose of 500 mg orally 3 times daily for 10∼14 days Vancomycin at a dose of 125 mg orally 4 times daily for 10∼14 days Vancomycin in tapered and pulsed doses Vancomycin at a dose of 125 mg orally 4 times daily for 14 days, followed by rifaximinat a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 14 days Intravenous immune globulin at a dose of 400 mg per kg of body weight once every 3 weeks for a total of 2 or 3 doses Therapy with other microorganisms, including fecal transplantation Adapted from Table 2 of reference [17]. (18). 경구용 또는 주사용 metronidazole과 경구용 vancomycin이 치료 항생제이다.…”