Changing Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile Infection Following the Introduction of a National Ribotyping-Based Surveillance Scheme in England

Abstract

Access to C. difficile ribotyping was associated with significant changes in the prevalence of epidemic strains, especially ribotype 027. These changes coincided with markedly reduced CDI incidence and related mortality in England. CDI control programs should include prospective access to C. difficile typing and analysis of risk factors for CDI and outcomes.