<i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Clinical guidelines of the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine, the Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia, and the North- West Society of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and an important cause of nosocomial infection. Since the publication of the National Guidelines (2016, 2017), new data have been accumulated on the genetic structure and pathogenic properties of the most common causative agent of severe forms of antibiotic- associated diarrhea, which has led to the reclassifi cation of the pathogen, formerly known as Clostridium diffi cile, to Clostridioides difficile. Laboratory algorithms have been developed to diagnose CDI and determine the toxigenicity of strains reliably. New data on the effectiveness of antibacterials have been published, monoclonal antibodies to toxin B (bezlotoxumab) have been introduced into clinical practice to prevent CDI recurrence, and fecal microbiota transplantation has been proposed. Over the past 5 years, many international guidelines on the management of adult patients with CDI have also been updated (USA, EU). In the last decade, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in CDI incidence. Considering therelevance of CDI, new data on the pathogen, and domestic features, the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine, the Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia, and the North-West Society of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists developed these clinical guidelines.