title: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: epidemiological data from Western Australia associated with a modified antibiotic policy.
abstract: The incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has increased dramatically in hospitals worldwide during the past 2 decades. In Western Australia, this increase was most obvious during the 1980s, when there was also an increase in the use of third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics. A study of the epidemiology of CDAD and the use of third-generation cephalosporins during 1993-2000 was undertaken. From 1993 through 1998, the incidence of CDAD remained relatively stable (2-3 cases per 1000 discharges annually). Then, a significant decrease in the incidence occurred, from 2.09 cases per 1000 discharges (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-2.47) in 1998 to 0.87 cases per 1000 discharges (95% CI, 0.63-1.11) in 1999 (P<.0001); this decrease persisted into 2000. A decrease in third-generation cephalosporin use occurred during the period of the study because of changes in the prescribing policy. These findings suggest that a reduction in the use of third-generation cephalosporins can reduce the occurrence of CDAD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009. c-thomas@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stevenson
authors.forename: D James
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Thomas V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Riley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016360:Clostridioides difficile; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents