Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. This obligate anaerobic bacillus is recognized for its ability to produce toxins and cause diarrhea, which is often associated with antibiotic usage. Although traditionally considered a primary healthcare-associated infection, C difficile is also increasingly diagnosed within community settings. The emergence of the newer, hypervirulent, antibiotic-resistant, epidemic strain—ribotype 027, also known as the North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1 (or NAP1) strain—has resulted in increased frequency and severity of infections over the last 2 decades. C difficile infection ranges from asymptomatic carriage to severe conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon, which can lead to fatal outcomes. As a primary cause of healthcare-associated colitis, this bacterium presents a significant public health challenge due to its transmissibility and associated morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and is confirmed through stool testing. Treatment involves implementing infection control measures, discontinuing the causative antibiotics, and administering appropriate medication based on evidence-based guidelines. However, testing and treatment are not recommended for asymptomatic individuals. Early recognition and management are crucial in controlling the spread of the infection and mitigating the impact of C difficile infection. This activity examines the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of infections caused by the C difficile bacterium. This activity also highlights the interprofessional healthcare team’s roles in assessing, diagnosing, and treating infections caused by C difficile.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/19632
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Ambulatory/Outpatient, Chemical Pathology, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Gastroenterology, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Surgical Critical Care