C. Difficile

Here is a recap of the latest happenings during C diff awareness month.

In recognition of C difficile Awareness Month this November, the CDC's 2023 HAI Progress Report highlights continued progress in reducing CDIs across US healthcare settings.

Reduction of in-hospital rate of C difficile infection from 11% to 4%, with no increased risk of infection following treatment.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses what the data says as well as offers insights about what patients can expect and medical peer-to-peer information about the procedure.

This week, food recalls due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination and, a study comparing treatments for recurrent C difficile infections underscore the need for further research, policy adjustments, and more.

17 randomized controlled trials involving 4,148 patients assessed the efficacy of various treatments, finding that fecal microbiota transplantation via the lower gastrointestinal route was the most effective.

The country’s largest fecal distributor, OpenBiome, could be prevented from offering the product next year if the FDA does not approve the product used for fecal microbiota transplants to treat fulminant C difficile.

From improving infection control and antibiotic stewardship, identifying RT 027 as a risk factor for vancomycin resistance in C diff, developing a universal flu vaccine, better management for drug-resistant pathogens, and more.

An analysis revealed that 29% exhibited reduced susceptibility to reduced vancomycin, underscoring the importance of enhanced monitoring of these strains to inform antibiotic prescribing practices.

The clinical stage company, Recursion, dosed its first participant using a novel therapy that is not an antimicrobial.

Ferring presented new real-world data demonstrating that 73.3% of patients reported enhanced physical function and 86.7% experienced better mental well-being.

Experts highlighted research showing that even mild COVID can result in cognitive impairment including brain fog and IQ decline, the FDA approved Pfizer's RSV vaccine for adults aged 18 to 59, E coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, and more.

Timothy Ritter, MD, provides his insights on using the live biotherapeutic product and what both patients and clinicians can expect in terms of safety and efficacy.

The STOP-CDI intervention presented by Matthew J.Ziegler, MD MSCE revealed using prophylactic enteral vancomycin, significantly reduced hospital-onset C difficile infections among immunocompromised patients.

Peggy Lillis Foundation CEO Christian Lillis believes patients need a seat at the table so he is advocating for past patients to become ambassadors to be a voice to help shape treatment and also continue to raise awareness about the infection.

At this week’s ID Week, Ferring Pharmaceuticals shares results from its outpatient study examining its treatment, Rebyota, for the prevention of recurrence.

The study indicates that targeting the sympathetic nervous system could improve CDI management, as a novel multi-target mRNA vaccine was shown to protect mice from lethal doses.

Healthcare workers receiving additional COVID-19 vaccine doses had fewer ongoing symptoms, a new test differentiates bacterial from viral infections, CDC reports 10 deaths linked to ongoing listeria outbreak, and more this week from Contagion.

This study highlights fidaxomicin’s advantages over vancomycin, including lower recurrence rates of CDI and higher sustained clinical responses.

Get caught up with the latest study information, feedback from people in the field, and news on the latest investigational therapies.

This week, a push for better care standards for C difficile, a survey shows low vaccination rates for respiratory viruses among Americans, Georgia achieves a reduction in chronic hepatitis C infections through collaborative efforts, and more.

The latest data highlight ibezapolstat’s effects on gut microbiome health and systemic exposure, crucial for CDI treatment, while also indicating its potential against Bacillus anthracis, prompting plans for a bioterrorism development initiative.

Study halted due to ineffective results, but the findings still provide valuable insights for future research and improve treatment strategies for those affected by CDI.

Maryann Webb’s harrowing, personal experience with C diff, along with her professional work with federal agencies has prepared her for a life in advocacy with the Peggy Lillis Foundation. She wants to see the fecal microbiota transplant become more accessible and is working with Congress to make the infection a notifiable infectious disease.

Cross-regional strains may spread more effectively in the community, highlighting the need for ongoing molecular surveillance to monitor their prevalence and detect potential changes.

A new study looked at Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and C difficile infection (CDI) and their formation of symbiotic biofilms in the antibiotic's environment, and underscore the complexity of CDI prevention and the importance of considering gut microbiomes in treatment strategies.

Adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin have a 13% to 21% lower risk of developing Long COVID or dying from COVID-19, recent analyses question the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir against new variants, and more this week from Contagion.

Jeanine Thomas, president and founder of MRSA Survivors Network, talks about her personal battle with osteomyelitis, her work as an advocate, and the need for data and awareness to bring it to the forefront again.

By analyzing 38 strains from patients, researchers identified clusters linked to frequent room changes, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

Focusing on the treatment of patients with C. difficile infections, Carl V. Crawford, MD, provides clinical insights on medication tapering practices and therapies being utilized by clinicians.