PCRS Green Red Reports C.Difficile Information

The HSE AMRIC team have published Issue 21 of the Green/Red report. Further information on this report can be found here.

In Ireland C. difficile infection affects over 2,000 people each year. In 2023, 57% of reported cases were healthcare associated and 31% were community associated. The spectrum of C. difficile infection ranges from mild diarrhoea to potentially fatal colitis.

Antibiotic use predisposes to C. difficile infection. Antibiotics disturb the normal colonic microbiota permitting growth of C. difficile. Almost all antibiotics increase the risk of C. difficile infection. Red antibiotics, such as co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin (and other fluoroquinolones), cephalosporins (such as cefaclor and cefuroxime) and clindamycin, are associated with the highest risk of C difficile infection. Red antibiotics should be avoided for first line treatment where possible and refer to guidelines on antibioticprescribing.ie.