Trends in Clostridioides difficile infection across a public health hospital system in New York City 2019-2021: A cautionary note

Am J Infect Control. 2022 Dec;50(12):1389-1391. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.04.015. Epub 2022 May 17.

Abstract

Contrary to national reports, rates of healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection across an 11-hospital system rose after the spring of 2020, when New York City was the epicenter for the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibiotic pressure from an escalation in cephalosporin usage correlated with this increase. The majority of cases of Clostridioides difficile were in patients without COVID-19, suggesting the pandemic has adversely impacted the healthcare of other inpatients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Healthcare Associated Infections.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Clostridium Infections* / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection* / epidemiology
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • Public Health