Epidemics of Diarrhea Caused by a Clindamycin-Resistant Strain of<i>Clostridium difficile</i>in Four Hospitals

Abstract

A strain of C. difficile that is highly resistant to clindamycin was responsible for large outbreaks of diarrhea in four hospitals in different states. The use of clindamycin is a specific risk factor for diarrhea due to this strain. Resistance to clindamycin further increases the risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, an established complication of antimicrobial use.