Alternative Strategies in the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection
Ryan Goon Hon Au
*
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, P.R.C. China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections worldwide and is a major challenge to public health. Widespread use of antibiotic agents have caused increasing incidence rates of C. diff. infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of the potentially-deadly bacteria. The current treatment guidelines include the use of various antibiotics, which further contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance. There is an urgent need for novel treatment methods in order to halt the emergence of even more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review discusses the pathogenesis of C. diff. infections, current treatment strategies, and possible alternative treatment strategies based on breakthrough scientific research.
Keywords: Clostridioides difficile, infection, antibiotic resistance, alternative treatment, nosocomial infection