October 22/Atlanta/MDNews.com -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clostridium difficile bacteria accounts for 15% to 25% of all cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. If not properly treated, it can result in severe infection, including sepsis.
Patients who are utilizing long-term antibiotic therapy are at greatest risk of developing infection from Clostridium difficile. Chemotherapy, hospitalization, immunosuppression and use of medications for stomach acid reduction also make patients more vulnerable to development of this bacterial infection.