What Is C. Diff?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. Statistics
In the United States, a C. diff infection is commonest among hospitalized patients resulting in about 3 million cases annually. Cancer patients are those who are mainly affected by C. diff infections. There are about 14,000 deaths due to diarrhea caused by C. diff. From 2000 to 2009, the number of patients hospitalized who developed C. diff infections doubled or tripled.
Globally, the incidence and deaths have also rise in Canada and Europe. The global increase is thought to be due to the rising elderly population, resistance to treatment, and more virulent strains of C. diff. These rates are also increasing among hospitalized children, especially those with immunosuppression.
Advertisement
