A retrospective chart review assessing antibiotic treatment of hospitalized patients with discordant Clostridioides difficile assays in an urban hospitalized setting

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) threatens vulnerable populations in health care. Two-step testing improves specificity, avoiding over-treatment. This study analyzed inpatient records to estimate diagnostic outcomes and identify characteristics associated with treatment after discordant testing. Among discordant patients, those aged 65+ years were significantly more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (67% vs 39%).