COMBACTE-CDI Understanding the Burden of C. Difficile Infection
COMBACTE-CDI Understanding the Burden of C. Difficile Infection
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic associated
 diarrhoea in the western world. The infection causes significant diarrhoea, which in some
 cases can be serious and lead to secondary complications and even death. The infection is
 particularly an issue in elderly, frail patient, who are often already burdened with several
 other medical issues. Recent work has demonstrated that numerous cases are missed, either due
 to inadequate diagnostic tests or lack of clinical suspicion.

 The public-private partnership in COMBACTE-CDI will quantify the burden of CDI via a large,
 complex, multi-centre, multi-country study, and describe current management practices. An
 increased understanding of the CDI burden across Europe and better understanding of
 transmission of the organism will provide a basis for the further development of public
 health interventions and practices.

 Based on a previous successful study model (EUCLID), hospitals/laboratories of interest which
 carry out diagnostic testing of samples from both in-patients and community patients
 (including Long-Term Care Facilities patients) will be approached for inclusion in the study.
 Samples sent to the sites on the selected study date (regardless of test requested) will be
 tested at a central laboratory for CDI to look for missed cases of CDI. A follow up
 case/control study will collect data on outcomes and risk factors. Data will be used to
 construct transmission models and cost effective-ness models. Ultimately, a best practice
 model for CDI management will be developed.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Anyone who has a diarrhoeal faecal sample submitted to the laboratories in the study
 for testing on the day of interest, regardless of test requested

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Any repeat samples