Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
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Clostridium difficileCollaborations FY 16
University of Houston
Kevin Garey, PharmD, MS, FASHP, Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research and Professor of Pharmacy, continued state-wide environmental and clinical activities intended to enhance infection control practices in hospitals and other settings such as long term care and state assisted living centers with the ultimate goal of reducing Clostridiumdifficile disease (CDI) incidence and severity. This project seeks to identify any geographical differences in Clostridiumdifficile (C. difficile) strains and the incidence and severity of CDI, and ensure these data help inform statewide plans for reducing the impact of Healthcare-associated Infections in Texas. Significant progress has been made in establishing an environmental and clinical evidence-based Clostridium difficile-Associated Diseases (CDADs) surveillance system. Dr. Garey presented his project results to public health epidemiologists from across Texas at the annual ELC workshop in Austin. Reports and project updates were also shared at meetings of the Texas Healthcare Advisory panel.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Schoolof Public Health
Herbert L DuPont, MD, Professor and Director, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Houston School of Public Health, and Zhi Dong Jiang, MD, DrPh, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health Center for Infectious Diseases, conducted inpatient evaluation and surveillance to differentiate between false-positive and true-positive diagnoses of Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) using fecal inflammation markers combined with a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of stools for Clostridium difficile(C. difficile)toxin(s). The overall goal of this project is to provide a methodology for minimizing the improper use of antibiotics for patients with false-positive tests for CDAD. Reports and project updates were shared at meetings of the Texas Healthcare Advisory panel.
Baylor College of Medicine in collaboration with Ben TaubGeneral Hospital, Harris Health systems
Hoonmo Koo, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, began an assessment of an active surveillance program for Clostridiumdifficile and the effectiveness of contact isolation of all patients identified with C. difficile of reducing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates with. This project is ongoing and seeks to define the incidence of asymptomatic C.difficile colonization and the role of asymptomatic C. difficile carriers in the transmission of CDI of CDI at Ben Taub by placing all asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with C. difficile in contact isolation precautions.
The Texas Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Project
The University of Houston (UH) College of Pharmacy is collaborating with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on a one year project to:
- Learn more regarding genetic variations in C. difficile;
- Identify geographical differences in C. difficile using fluorescent PCR ribotyping
- Assess the incidence and severity of disease associated with CDI within Texas.
Results will inform statewide and hospital plans for reducing the impact of healthcare-associated infections through the implementation of evidence-based interventions.