Clostridium difficile infection is an important cause of intestinal disease, primarily affecting hospitalized patients exposed to antibiotics. Infection has been associated with prolonged hospital stays and excess healthcare expenditures.Recent changes in epidemiology of this disease show a rise in community-acquired cases in people outside the hospital settings without traditional risk factors.Participants will discuss this disturbing trend as well as the potential role of animals and the food supply and the status of current vaccine development efforts.
Erik Dubberke, MD, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Glenn Songer, PhD, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Clifford McDonald, MD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
