The bacterium, Clostridium difficile, responsible for severe intestinal distress, is much more common in the nation’s hospitals and nursing homes than previously thought, according to a recent survey of hundreds of hospitals across the United States. 

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology asked about 650 hospitals to choose any one day from this past summer (May through August) and review medical data for that day to identify C. difficile infection.  The survey identified 1,443 patients infected with the bug, about 70% of whom were past the age of 60.

The survey suggests 13 of every 1,000 hospital patients is infected with the bacterium, or about 7,100 patients on any given day.  This estimate is much higher, by as much as 6.5 times to 20 times higher, than previous estimates.

The C. difficile bacteria live in the colon and cause diarrhea.  A severe infection can lead to colitis, which can be deadly, especially in elderly patients.  Recent outbreaks proved fatal to as many as 100 patients in some hospitals.

The association revealed its survey findings at a medical conference recently held in Orlando, Florida.  The research team urges hospitals and nursing homes to be more aware of this potentially deadly bacterium, which is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.  Recommended steps to control infection include more stringent cleaning methods, including the use of bleach as a disinfectant, and isolation of infected individuals.

Source: AP