The interplay of SARS-CoV-2 and Clostridioides difficile infection

Tweetable abstract #Clostridioides difficile complicating #COVID-19 can be associated with high mortality. COVID-19 patients with diarrhea, especially those who received antibiotics recently should be tested for C. difficile. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we practice medicine and lead our lives. In addition to pulmonary symptoms; COVID-19 as a syndrome has multisystemic involvement including frequent gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Due to microbiome alterations with COVID-19 and frequent antibiotic exposure, COVID-19 can be complicated by Clostridioides difficile infection. Co-infection with these two can be associated with a high risk of complications. Infection control measures in hospitals is enhanced due to the COVID-19 pandemic which in turn appears to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections such as C. difficile infection. Another implication of COVID-19 and its potential transmissibility by stool is microbiome-based therapies. Potential stool donors should be screened COVID-19 symptoms and be tested for COVID-19.

Automated summary

Clostridioides difficile complicating COVID-19 can lead to high mortality, especially in patients with recent antibiotic exposure. COVID-19 as a syndrome involves multisystemic manifestation, including gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Enhanced infection control measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic may reduce hospital-acquired infections such as C. difficile.