LTC Residents with C. Difficile or Carriers of Toxigenic Strains Substantially Contribute to CDI Transmission

​Long-term care facility residents with asymptomatic carriage of Clostridium difficile or a diagnosed C. difficileinfection (CDI) contribute to transmissions among both long-term care facilities and hospitals, according to a study published in the August 2018 issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The supporting evidence stems from a cohort study conducted from March through August 2012 at a Veterans Affairs hospital and an affiliated long-term care facility where 29 residents were found to be asymptomatic carriers of C. difficile and 37 healthcare-associated, non-recurrent CDI cases were identified. Of the 29 asymptomatic carriers, 11 were transferred to the hospital at least once.