Monitoring Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Australia
This page includes information on Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and reports on monitoring the burden of CDI in Australian hospitals.
What is Clostridioides difficile?
Clostridioides difficile (also known as Clostridium difficile) is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium typically associated with gastrointestinal disease. It is common in the natural environment and in healthcare environments, and it can be spread between individuals through direct or indirect contact.
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is often linked to prolonged and unnecessary use of antimicrobial therapy.
Monitoring the burden of CDI in Australian public hospitals
The Commission has monitored the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Australian public hospitals since 2016. This work has led to a better understanding of CDI acquisition in hospitals and in the community and has helped to inform the development of measures to prevent and limit its spread.
Prevention and control of CDI
There are a number of strategies that health service organisations can implement to prevent and control the transmission of CDI. Many of these strategies may also be applicable in the community and primary healthcare settings.
Community-onset CDI: information for primary care providers
More than 80% of hospital patients with CDI have symptoms before admission to hospital. Primary and community health providers have an important role in the early detection of CDI in the community. Appropriate testing and treatment are key interventions that will help improve patient outcomes, reduce the severity of disease, and prevent further spread of CDI in the community.