<i>Clostridioides difficile</i>: relationship with previous use of antibiotics, risk factors and preventive measures to reduce transmission

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection has emerged in recent years as one of the main hospital-acquired infections. This enteric pathogen is responsible for causing diarrhea related to prior antibiotic use in many healthcare settings, particularly hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation clinics. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between previous antibiotic use and Clostridioides difficile infection and determine the main risk factors and antibiotics associated with the infection, as well as the potential benefit of prevention strategies. Material and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out analyzing the database platforms of PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and Cochrane during the period from May to September 2024. Articles were selected with a focus on risk factors, preventive measures and antibiotics related to the appearance of Clostridioides difficile infection. Results: Although any antibiotic is a potential risk factor for the development of CDI, the medications most commonly associated with the onset of the infection are Clindamycin, 2nd and 3rd generation Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Penicillins and Carbapenems. Conclusion: It is extremely important to know the risk factors and the main antibiotics associated with CDI so that when a certain type of antibiotic is indicated for relatively serious processes, extreme preventive measures are initiated, prior to the possibility that this individual that triggers it does not be the origin of an in-hospital outbreak.