Certain factors tend to increase the risk for CDI, including:
- Taking or having recently taken antibiotics or taking broad-spectrum antibiotics that target a wide range of bacteria.
- Taking multiple antibiotics or taking antibiotics over a long period.
- Taking medication for stomach acid, including proton pump inhibitors.
- Staying in a health care facility.
- Having a serious illness or medical procedure such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, or a weakened immune system. Risk of CDI is also greater if an individual has had abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure.
- Being 65 or older.
- Having a previous CDI increases the risk of a recurrent CDI.
