Clostridium difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

The importance of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly being recognized. Recent studies have demonstrated a concerning trend towards increased rates of infection, morbidity, mortality and health costs, and guidelines now promote testing for C. difficile in IBD patients experiencing a relapse. This critical review focuses on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, treatment options and outcomes associated with C. difficile infection in patients with IBD.

Key Words::

• Clostridium difficile
• Crohn's disease
• epidemiology
• inflammatory bowel diseases
• pseudomembranous enterocolitis
• risk factors
• treatment
• ulcerative colitis

Acknowledgements

S. M. and S. T. have received grants from the St. George's Hospital Charitable Fund. M. C. has received a grant from the National Institute of Health.