Epidemiologic profile of community-acquired Clostridioides difficile infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Clostridiodes difficile’s epidemiology has evolved over the past decades, being recognized as an important cause of disease in the community setting. Even so, there has been heterogeneity in the reports of CA-CDI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the epidemiologic profile of CA-CDI.

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA checklist and Cochrane guidelines (CRD42023451134). Literature search was performed by an experienced librarian from inception to April 2023, searching in databases like MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CCRCC, CDSR, and ClinicalTrials. Observational studies that reported prevalence, incidence of CA-CDI, or indicators to calculate them were included. Pool analysis was performed using a binomial-normal model via the generalized linear mixed model. Subgroup analysis and publication bias were also explored. A total of 49 articles were included, obtaining a prevalence of 5% (95% CI 3–8) and an incidence of 7.53 patients (95% CI 4.45–12.74) per 100,000 person-years.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis underscores that among the included studies, the prevalence of CA-CDI stands at 5%, with an incidence rate of 7.3 cases per 100,000 person-years. Noteworthy risk factors identified include prior antibiotic exposure and age.