Background: Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) had a negative impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases.
Aim of the work: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of this infection in patients with IBD and to elucidate the risk factors and the impact of such infection in these cases.
Patients and methods: We included a total of 120 subjects who were divided into two groups: the first one included 80 cases diagnosed with IBD, while the second one included 40 healthy controls. All cases were clinically assessed. Routine laboratory investigations and colonoscopy were performed for all cases. Furthermore, stool PCR for Clostridium difficile was ordered for all cases and controls.
Results: CDI rate was significantly higher in cases compared to controls, as it was detected in 16.25% and 2.5% of subjects in the same groups, respectively. On univariate analysis, old age, long disease duration, severe disease, and high CRP levels were risk factors for CDI. All of these variables remained significant on multivariate analysis apart from disease duration. Surgical intervention was needed in two CDI +ve patients, with no mortality encountered. CDI was associated with a significant increase in the duration of hospitalization compared to CDI –ve patients (15 vs. seven days, respectively).
Conclusion: The Prevalence CDI was 16.25%. Old age, long disease duration, high CRP, and high disease activity are significant risk factors of CDI in IBD patients. In addition, CDI was associated with worse IBD outcomes.