Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea: An increased problem

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea is a major health problem that seems to be on the increase. In our study, we analyse the changes in the incidence of this infection over the last 11 years.A descriptive study in hospitalised patients with Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla (Santander, Spain) from 2004 to 2014.A total of 244 adults were identified [53% men; 66 (SD 15) years]. The cases of nosocomial acquisition (80%), with respect to community acquired Clostridium difficile infection, were older [67 (SD 15) years vs. 63 (19) years; P=.01), high comorbidity (86% vs. 75%; P=.01), use of antibiotics (95% vs. 75%; P.001) and proton pump inhibitors (87% vs. 48% P.001). There has been an increasing incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in our hospital over an 11-year period.The clinical profile of patients with Clostridium difficile diarrhoea varies by place of acquisition of infection. The prevalence of this disease is increasing.