Relapses of clostridium difficile hard to treat

A new study suggests that healthcare professionals aren't happy with the tools they have to fight the growing problem of Clostridium difficile infections in hospitals. C. diff. is a gram-positive bacterium that can cause life-threatening conditions, especially a new hypervirulent strain known as BI/NAP1/027.

Infectious disease specialists responding to a recent survey said that they believe the industry needs new treatment regimens that provide lower relapse rates than the drugs now used, said the study, which was performed by Arlington Medical Resources and Decision Resources.

Right now, C. diff. is commonly treated with oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin, both for first episodes and relapses. However, infectious disease experts said new strains of C. diff. and the lack of second-line therapies pose significant treatment issues.

To learn more about the study:
- read this Healthcare Finance News piece