Prevention of Clostridioides difficile in hospitals: A position paper of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

Clostridioides difficile infection is an increasing presence worldwide. Prevention is multipronged, reflecting a complex and evolving epidemiology. Multiple guidelines exist regarding the prevention of C. difficile infection in healthcare settings; however, existing guidelines do not address C. difficile in lowand middle-income countries (LMIC). Nevertheless, the prevalence of C. difficile in LMIC likely parallels, if not exceeds, that of high-income countries, and LMIC may experience additional challenges in C. difficile diagnosis and control. A panel of experts was convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) to review the current state of C. difficile infections globally and make evidence-based recommendations for infection prevention that are broadly applicable. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.

Automated summary

Clostridioides difficile infection is increasing globally, with prevention strategies being complex and diverse. Existing guidelines on C. difficile prevention in healthcare settings do not include low- and middle-income countries. A panel of experts convened by ISID reviewed the global status of C. difficile infections and made evidence-based recommendations for broad infection prevention strategies.