Prevention and Treatment of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Risk factors in this population include frequent hospitalizations, receipt of immunosuppressive agents, and intestinal dysbiosis triggered by several factors, including exposure to broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The incidence and potential for significant adverse outcomes among solid organ transplant recipients with C difficile infection highlight the evolving need for strategic C difficile infection risk factor modification and novel approaches to disease management in this patient population. This review focuses on current concepts related to the prevention and treatment of C difficile infection in solid organ transplant recipients.

Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship; Clostridium difficile infection; Fecal microbiota transplant; Infection control; Prevention; Solid organ transplant; Treatment.