Host Immune Response to Clostridium Difficile Infection (ICD)
Host Immune Response to Clostridium Difficile Infection (ICD)
Clostridium difficile is responsible for up to 25% of reported antibiotic associated diarrhea
 cases and virtually all cases of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). The clinical spectrum of C.
 difficile infection (CDI) varies in severity from asymptomatic carriage to self-limited,
 mild, watery diarrhea, to PMC, intestinal perforation, toxic megacolon, sepsis, fulminant
 colitis, and death. In the past decade, the 027/NAP1/BI strain has emerged world-wide and has
 been implicated in large outbreaks with increased severity, frequent recurrence, and
 significant mortality. The host immune responses can influence the severity of CDI and play
 crucial roles in CDI onset, progression, and overall prognosis. Low serum concentrations of
 antibodies directed against the toxins A&B of C. difficile have been associated with a higher
 risk of recurrence. However, there are conflicting reports.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Hospitalized

 -  Suffering from diarrhea related to C. difficile

 -  Confirmed diagnosis of CDI

 -  Informed consent by the patient

 -  Affiliated to the social security regime

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Out-patient

 -  No confirmed diagnosis of CDI

 -  Decline of participation

 -  Patient not affiliated to the social security regime