[Diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile in the elderly: new perspectives]. / Diarrea asociada a Clostridium difficile en el anciano: nuevas perspectivas.

ABSTRACT

Infection due to Clostridium difficile is currently the main cause of hospital acquired gastrointestinal disease. Its prevalence in the elderly population is higher due to there being many associated risk factors in this age group, such as comorbidity, frequent exposure to the healthcare or residential home setting, immunosenescence, greater consumption of antibiotics, and antiacids. The diagnostic techniques have notably improved in the last few years, which could also account for an increase in its diagnosis. The new expert consensus recommendations propose stratifying the clinical situation of the patient in order to choose the treatment option. Therapeutic options have recently been included in the new Clinical Guidelines, such as flidaxomicin or fecal transplants, with encouraging results, particularly for the control of frequent recurrences.