Clostridioides difficile infection

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (31 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

10

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

10 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. This obligate anaerobic bacillus is recognized for its ability to produce toxins and cause diarrhea, which is often associated with antibiotic usage. Although traditionally considered a primary healthcare-associated infection, C difficile is also increasingly diagnosed within community settings. The emergence of the newer, hypervirulent, antibiotic-resistant, epidemic strain—ribotype 027, also known as the North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1 (or NAP1) strain—has resulted in increased frequency and severity of infections over the last 2 decades. C difficile infection ranges from asymptomatic carriage to severe conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon, which can lead to fatal outcomes. As a primary cause of healthcare-associated colitis, this bacterium presents a significant public health challenge due to its transmissibility and associated morbidity and mortality. 

Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and is confirmed through stool testing. Treatment involves implementing infection control measures, discontinuing the causative antibiotics, and administering appropriate medication based on evidence-based guidelines. However, testing and treatment are not recommended for asymptomatic individuals. Early recognition and management are crucial in controlling the spread of the infection and mitigating the impact of C difficile infection. This activity examines the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of infections caused by the C difficile bacterium. This activity also highlights the roles of the interprofessional healthcare team in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by C difficile.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify risk factors associated with Clostridioides difficile infections in patients, such as recent antibiotic use, hospitalization, and previous C difficile history.

  • Screen patients with diarrhea for Clostridioides difficile infections using appropriate diagnostic tests, considering their symptoms, signs, recent healthcare exposure, and antibiotic use.

  • Apply appropriate treatment modalities for Clostridioides difficile infections, including antimicrobial therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, and surgical intervention when indicated.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize Clostridioides difficile infections and coordinate care for patients across different healthcare settings to ensure continuity and prevent recurrence.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Preeti P. on 6/20/2021

Larry M. on 7/21/2021

Lori N. on 9/18/2021

Travis V. on 2/21/2022

Ehsan Q. on 6/2/2022

Louie L. on 8/29/2022

Christine G. on 10/27/2022

Scott R. on 12/4/2022

John M. on 12/11/2022

Dr.NIRMALA M. on 12/16/2022

Christine G. on 1/9/2023

Ehsan Q. on 3/12/2023

Thuan N. on 4/24/2023

Manreet K. on 5/10/2023

Walter P. on 6/6/2023

Laxmi S. on 6/7/2023

Excellent activity. Highly recommended!

Bernadette M. on 6/24/2023

Miguel D. on 7/17/2023

Michelle C. on 8/17/2023

Shearin H. on 9/10/2023

Clarivel T. on 9/20/2023

Syeda A. on 9/25/2023

Paula R. on 10/10/2023

Timothy R. on 11/2/2023

Kimberly M. on 12/23/2023

William E. on 12/23/2023

Thomas C. on 2/17/2024

Raymond A. on 2/27/2024

Chaitanya P. on 2/27/2024

Michael B. on 4/14/2024

Beth N. on 4/19/2024

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