About Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile is a major and growing cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitalized patients. Incidence of C. diff is at a record high in the U.S. with more than 330,000 cases reported in 2009. C. diff is a type of bacteria normally present in the intestine, but which can overgrow as a result of antibiotic use. It causes severe diarrhea and life-threatening intestinal conditions such as colitis. The cost of C. diff related treatment in the U.S. and Europe is estimated at more than $7 billion annually.