title: Clostridium difficile infection in the elderly.
abstract: Clostridium difficile-associated illness is an increasingly prevalent and morbid condition. The elderly population is at a disproportionate risk of developing symptomatic disease and associated complications, including progression to severe or fulminant disease, and development of recurrent infections. This article analyzes the factors that influence C difficile disease propensity and severity, with particular attention directed toward features relevant to the rapidly aging population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Box 356421, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Surawicz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003428:Cross Infection; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000503:physiopathology; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D014640:Vancomycin
keywords: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea; Clostridium difficile; Elderly