Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) are the most prevalent healthcare-associated infection in the U.S. Of all CDIs, most are related to healthcare exposures and are potentially preventable by reducing… Click to show full abstract
Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) are the most prevalent healthcare-associated infection in the U.S. Of all CDIs, most are related to healthcare exposures and are potentially preventable by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and interrupting patient-to-patient transmission of CDI. Methods The adult SAARs for 4 antimicrobial agent categories were compared with the CDI SIR at 28 facilities with greater than 100 beds across the health system for the calendar year of 2018. The 4 adult antimicrobial agent categories chosen for comparison were: antibacterial agents posing the highest risk for CDI, broad-spectrum antibacterial agents predominantly used for hospital-onset infections (BSHO), broad-spectrum antibacterial agents predominantly used for community-acquired infections (BSCA) and all antibacterial agents. Results The 2018 aggregate CDI SIR for the 28 facilities was 0.609. The aggregate SAAR for the adult antimicrobial agent categories were 1.05 for the antibacterial agents posing the highest risk for CDI, 1.05 for BSHO, 0.88 for BSCA, and 1.03 for all antibacterial agents. No correlation was seen between any of the 4 adult SAAR antimicrobial agent categories and the facility CDI SIR (Figure 1–4). Conclusion While reducing unnecessary antibiotics is an important strategy in preventing CDIs, having a higher observed vs. predicted administration ratio in the four antimicrobial agent categories studied was not correlated with a higher CDI SIR, including the CDI SAAR category. Reduction of CDI is challenging requiring a multipronged approach to include infection control strategies, appropriate testing, and antimicrobial stewardship. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
               
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