Prevalence of C. diff in hospital patients

Quick View. Posted June 1, 2009.

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Clostridium difficile is much more prevalent in America's hospitals than previously believed, says a study in the May American Journal of Infection Control. Thirteen in every 1,000 inpatients has C. diff -- 20 times more than previous estimates -- according to findings from a survey done last summer by the Assn. for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. Prevalence rates show great variation nationwide.

Source: American Journal of Infection Control, May (www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(09)00041-8/abstract/)

The print version of this content appeared in the June 8, 2009 issue of American Medical News.

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