Prognostic factors for severe course and adverse outcome of Clostridium difficile infection after Covid 19

Abstract

Before the Covid 19 pandemic, the incidence of community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was 35-50%. SARS-CoV-2 created favorable conditions for its increase. Aim: To identify the factors responsible for the severe course and adverse outcome in CDI post-Covid 19. Materials and methods: 121 patients aged from 23 to 90 years-53 women and 68 men - with CDI and a recent Covid-19 were included in a prospective study. Clinical, epidemiological, laboratorial and molecular-genetic investigations were used. Results: All patients were on long-term treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most common symptoms of CDI were diarrhea, fever and loss of weight. The majority of patients were discharged in an improved condition. There were 12 lethal outcomes (9,91%). Conclusion: Age over 65 years, presence of accompanying chronic diseases, as well as late hospitalization can be indicated as poor prognostic factors for the clinical course and outcome of CDI.