Clostridioides difficile in transplant patients: early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2019 Aug;32(4):307-313
Date
05/23/2019Pubmed ID
31116134DOI
10.1097/QCO.0000000000000560Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85069234375 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 2 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clostridioides difficile infection is common in solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These populations are also underrepresented in clinical trials, making optimal management difficult. Because of this, management of these populations follows national guideline recommendations. This review aims to summarize the recent relevant literature pertaining to the clinical management of C. difficile infection in transplant patients, with a particular focus on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
RECENT FINDINGS: Early diagnosis of C. difficile colonization may mitigate both horizontal and vertical transmission (progression from colonization to colitis) of infection. Once diagnosed, recent literature suggests antibiotic treatment should align with that recommended by national guidelines. Fecal microbiota transplant is an emerging therapy for recurrent C. difficile infection, and recent data have demonstrated safety and efficacy. Prevention strategies including antimicrobial stewardship, probiotic administration, antibiotic administration, and bezlotoxumab may be beneficial in transplant populations, but more data are needed to confirm recent findings.
SUMMARY: Studies evaluating C. difficile infection in transplant patients are only recently starting to emerge. Further research is needed to identify optimal treatment and prevention strategies, and to examine novel strategies such as microbiome manipulation.
Author List
Revolinski SL, Munoz-Price LSAuthor
Sara L. Revolinski PharmD Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Pharmacy Administration department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Anti-Bacterial AgentsAntibiotic Prophylaxis
Clostridium Infections
Disease Management
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Organ Transplantation
Transplant Recipients