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Crit Care 2010;14(5):320
Infection with Clostridium difficile places a significant burden on healthcare facilities. C. difficile has been shown to substantially increase hospital costs, hospital length of stay, and contribute to mortality [1,2]. One of the major factors hindering successful treatment of C. difficile-associated disease is the high rate of recurrence. Risk factors for recurrence include continued antibiotic use, antacid use, and older age [3]. Anecdotal evidence supports the use of several different modalities, such as tapering doses of vancomycin, rifaxamin, and fecal transplant. Yet, to date none of these therapies have been shown to be effective. Myriad risk factors for C. difficile infection coalesce in intensive care units, making it a highly relevant condition for intensivists.