The incidence of C. difficile infection varies considerably but is increasing worldwide, largely due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The risk factors associated with C. difficile infection and colitis are:
- Antimicrobial use
- Length of course
- Multiple antibiotics
- Hospitalization
- Length of stay
- Illness and weakness
- Presence of spores in hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCF)
- Age
- Advanced age >65 (weakened immune system)
- Young children (immature immune system)
- Underlying disease (weakened immune system)
- Use of proton pump inhibitors, gastric acid suppressants, or anti-ulcer medications that decrease acidity levels in the stomach/gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can alter normal flora and allow C. difficile to proliferate
- Chemotherapeutic drugs (weakened immune system)
- Laxative use
- GI surgery or non-surgical invasive procedures such as intubation
