Herbert L. DuPont, M.D. N Engl J Med 2011; 364:473-475, February 3, 2011
Since 1996, the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection has more than doubled. Some estimates suggest that there may be up to 3 million cases each year in the United States. If that statistic is correct, it would make C. difficile infection the most common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the United States. With the rising incidence, we are seeing higher mortality associated with the disease, related to at least two factors: increasing virulence of the C. difficile strains and increasing host vulnerability.
C. difficile infection is particularly problematic when three factors are aligned: coexisting conditions, including advanced age; disturbed intestinal . . .
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