Clostridioides difficile infection monitoring in Australia

Clostridioides difficile (also known as Clostridium difficile) is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium typically associated with gastrointestinal disease. It is common in the natural environment and in healthcare environments, and it can be spread between individuals through direct or indirect contact.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is often linked to prolonged and unnecessary use of antimicrobial therapy.

Monitoring the burden of CDI in Australian public hospitals

The Commission has monitored the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Australian public hospitals each year since 2016. This work has led to a better understanding of CDI acquisition in hospitals and in the community and has helped to inform the development of measures to prevent and limit its spread.

Technical reports

Monitoring the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection in public hospitals 2016 - 2018

Monitoring the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection in Australian public hospitals: 2016 to 2018

2021

Publication, report or update

This report provides an overview of national prevalence of CDI in 2016, 2017 and 2018, summarising the findings of each of these Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) data snapshot reports.

Clostridioides difficile infection - A model to improve management and control of Clostridioides difficile infection in Australia

Clostridium difficile infection - Monitoring the national burden of Clostridium difficile

Data snapshots

Clostridioides difficile infection 2019 data snapshot

Clostridioides difficile infection - 2019 Data Snapshot

2022

Publication, report or update

The 2019 Data Snapshot is the fourth in a series of reports that support care for patients with CDI and inform strategies to minimise the risk of preventable CDI.

The 2019 Data Snapshot is the fourth in a series of reports on the national burden of CDI in Australian public hospitals.

Clostridioides difficile infection 2018 data snapshot

Clostridium difficile infection – 2018 Data Snapshot

2020

Publication, report or update

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacillus typically associated with gastrointestinal disease. Transmission of C. difficile occurs by ingestion of spores either through person-to-person contact, animal-to-person contact or environment-to-person contact.

The 2018 Data Snapshot is the third in a series of reports on the national burden of CDI in Australian public hospitals.

Clostridioides difficile infection 2017 data snapshot

Clostridioides difficile infection 2016 data snapshot

Clostridium difficile infection - 2016 Data Snapshot

2018

Publication, report or update

The 2016 Data Snapshot is the first in a series of reports on the national burden of CDI in Australian public hospitals.

Prevention and control of CDI

There are a number of strategies that health service organisations can implement to prevent and control the transmission of CDI. Many of these strategies may also be applicable in the community and primary healthcare settings.

Clostridium difficile 2021 - Infographic

2021

Poster or graphic

This infographic highlights the key findings from the CDI technical report: Monitoring the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection in Australian public hospitals: 2016 to 2018.

How to prevent CDI in Australian hospitals - Infographic

2018

Poster or graphic

This info graphic highlights the key findings from the third CDI Technical report: Monitoring the national burden of Clostridioides difficile infection in Australian public hospitals: 2016 to 2018.

Information and resources for healthcare workers and consumers

A factsheet has been produced for consumers.

Resources to support Australian healthcare workers manage, treat and control CDI include:

The following resources include information that can assist with prevention and control of CDI in health service organisations.

Topics

Antimicrobial resistance, use and stewardship