The incidence of C. difficile infection varies considerably but is increasing worldwide, largely due to widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The risk factors associated with C. difficile infection and colitis are:
- Antimicrobial use
- length of course
- multiple antibiotics
- Hospitalization
- length of stay
- illness & weakness
- presence of spores in hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCF)
- Age
- Advanced age > 65 (weakened immune systems
- Young children (immature immune systems)
- Underlying disease (weakened immune system)
- Use of proton pump inhibitors, gastric acid suppressants, or anti-ulcer medications that decrease acidity levels in stomach/gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can alter normal flora and allow C. difficile to proliferate
- Chemotherapeutic drugs (weakened immune system)
- Laxative use
- GI surgery or non-surgical invasive procedures such as intubation