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The pathogenesis, epidemiology, and public health significance of Clostridium difficile

Suri, Christian (2016) The pathogenesis, epidemiology, and public health significance of Clostridium difficile. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

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Abstract

Public Health Relevance: This literature review seeks to discuss the overall cost burden, impact, epidemiology, pathogenesis, preventative measures to assist in understanding Clostridium difficile as a pathogen and implement further effective measures of prevention and policy. Clostridium difficile is well-known as a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). By means of its toxins TcdA and TcdB, Clostridium difficile causes debilitating illness in hospitals. Clostridium difficile is known to be resistant to a number of antimicrobial agents, which further complicates treatment. Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is oftentimes treated with fecal transplants, which has been shown to be highly effective at curing recurrent CDI. Treatment, however, is known to incur high costs overall every year. Because of this, prevention methods are essential to controlling the transmission of disease and associated costs. Prevention should revolve around environmental sanitation through use of UV light treatment and sporicidal cleaners. Prevention methods should also target behaviors (i.e. hand-hygiene, antimicrobial prescription frequency) through education of healthcare workers and patients alike.


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Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Suri, Christiancas291@pitt.eduCAS291
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairMartinson, Jeremyjmartins@pitt.eduUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberHaggerty, CatherineHaggertyC@edc.pitt.eduUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Date: 19 April 2016
Date Type: Submission
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master Essay
Refereed: Yes
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2016 20:40
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2021 05:56
URI: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27532

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