Antibiotic stewardship programs may be key element of managing Clostridium difficile infections among patients suffering from osteoarticular infections, according to a study published in Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control.
Researchers examined a cluster of hospital-acquired C. diff infections among 26 patients with osteoarticular infections. The patients were exposed to several infection control measures, including strict isolation of CDI patients, additional hand washings and intensified environmental cleaning with sporicidal disinfection. Additionally, an antibiotic stewardship program was implemented.
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Here are three insights:
1. The majority of C. diff infections (occurring in 15 patients) were caused by C. difficile ribotype 027.
2. The intensified antibiotic stewardship program reduced the use of fluoroquinolones, third generation cephalosporins and clindamycin.
3. The program achieved reduction in incidence of C. diff infections.