Changing epidemiology of clostridium difficile infection following the introduction of a national ribotyping-based surveillance scheme in England

Abstract

Background. Marked increases in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence, driven by epidemic strain spread, is a global phenomenon. Methods. The Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) was established in 2007 as part of enhanced CDI surveillance in England, to facilitate the recognition and control of epidemic strains. We report on changes in CDI epidemiology in England in the first 3 years of CDRN.Results.CDRN received 12 603 fecal specimens, comprising significantly (P