Treatment of Clostridium difficile

New evidence-based publications from AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program can help clinicians and patients make informed decisions about the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (C. diff), a type of bacteria that infects the large intestine.

Anyone can get C. diff, but risks may increase for people who have taken antibiotics in the past 30 days, have a weak immune system from an ongoing illness, or have been in the hospital or a long-term care facility.

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of C. difficile

Current State of the Evidence, is a publication for clinicians that summarizes findings of an AHRQ-funded research review and identifies the strength of evidence supporting diagnostic tests, treatment options, and prevention techniques. A companion plain-language publication, Treating and Preventing C. difficile Infections, can help patients and caregivers talk about C. diff treatment options.