Clostridioides difficile infection: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Clinical guidelines of the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine, the Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia, and the North-West Society of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists; [Инфекция Clostridioides difficile: диагностика, лечение и профилактика Клинические рекомендации Российского научного медицинского общества терапевтов, Научного общества гастроэнтерологов России, Общества гастроэнтерологов и гепатологов «Северо-Запад»]

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and an important cause of nosocomial infection. Since the publication of the National Guidelines (2016, 2017), new data have been accumulated on the genetic structure and pathogenic properties of the most common causative agent of severe forms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which has led to the reclassification of the pathogen, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, to Clostridioides difficile. Laboratory algorithms have been developed to diagnose CDI and determine the toxigenicity of strains reliably. New data on the effectiveness of antibacterials have been published, monoclonal antibodies to toxin B (bezlotoxumab) have been introduced into clinical practice to prevent CDI recurrence, and fecal microbiota transplantation has been proposed. Over the past 5 years, many international guidelines on the management of adult patients with CDI have also been updated (USA, EU). In the last decade, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in CDI incidence. Considering the relevance of CDI, new data on the pathogen, and domestic features, the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine, the Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia, and the North-West Society of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists developed these clinical guidelines. © 2023 Global Media Technologies. All Rights Reserved.