Clostridioides Difficile

• Review current antibiotic therapy and stop where possible.
• Cephalosporins, clindamycin, broad-spectrum penicillins (co-amoxiclav) and quinolones (ciprofloxacin) are high-risk but ALL antibiotics (including cefalexin) have the potential to alter the gut microbiome and precipitate C.difficile infection.
• Stop proton pump inhibitors (see algorithm) and anti-motility agents whilst symptomatic, if possible.
• Doses given are for adults; see the updated SAPG Guidance for antimicrobial management of CDI in children along with a decision tool.  See also current edition of the BNF for Children for drug dosing recommendations in children.
• Recommend coding GDH positive and/or toxin positive status as Priority 1 in the patient’s medical record. All subsequent antibiotic therapy may provoke a recurrent episode. If further advice on antibiotic therapy is required, contact Microbiology.

Severity Assessment

Mild to moderate CDI

• WCC < 15 x 10⁹
• < 5 stools of type 5 to 7 on the Bristol Stool chart

Severe CDI is associated with at least one of the following

• Temperature >38.5°C
• Suspicion of PMC, toxic megacolon, ileus
• Evidence of severe colitis on CT scan or abdominal X-ray examination
• WBC >15 cells x 10⁹L
• Acute rising serum creatinine >1.5 x baseline

Life-threatening CDI

Includes hypotension, ileus or significant abdominal distension, mental status changes, WCC > 35 or <2 x 10⁹L, serum lactate > 2.2mmol/l or end organ failure.

Taken from box 5, page 24 of Scottish Health Protection Network Guidance on Prevention and Control of Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) in Health and Social Care Settings in Scotland

Antibiotic Treatment

Discuss each case with Microbiology to agree optimal treatment, including availability of vancomycin and fidaxomicin.