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Article: Increase in Clostridium difficile-related mortality rates, United States, 1999-2004.(DISPATCHES)(Clinical report)
- Article from:
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Article date:
- September 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Reported mortality rates from Clostridium difficile disease in the United States increased from 5.7 per million population in 1999 to 23.7 per million in 2004. Increased rates may be due to emergence of a highly virulent strain of C. difficile. Rates were higher for whites than for other racial/ethnic groups.
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Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacillus that can cause considerable disease, including diarrhea, colitis, and septicemia, resulting in death (1). C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) primarily affects persons [greater than or equal to] 65 years. Risk factors include residence in hospitals and long-term care ...