AHRQ Clinician Summary Addresses Latest Evidence for C. difficile Diagnosis and Treatment

​A summary report for clinicians about a previously released research review from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) updates findings on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections. The report, based on a review of 93 studies published between 2010 and April 2015, says that the antibiotic vancomycin is more effective than metronidazole for initial treatment of the infection and that for prevention of recurrent C. difficile infections, fidaxomicin is more effective than vancomycin. Early diagnosis and effective treatment, including appropriate use of antibiotics, are essential in managing the disease, the report says.