Abstract

CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION: CURRENT THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES, EMERGING INNOVATIONS AND THE EXPANDING ROLE OF CLINICAL PHARMACISTS

*Rini Sara John, Shibin Biju, Sneha Elisa Bency, Dr. Jiji Alfred

ABSTRACT

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) continues to be one of the primary contributors to healthcare – related infectious diarrhoea globally and is linked to considerable morbidity, mortality, extended hospital stays, and health care costs. The rising occurrence of recurrent CDI has emphasized the shortcomings of traditional antibiotic treatments, leading to the creation of new therapeutic strategies that go beyond simply eliminating bacteria. Recent advancements in therapy encompass monoclonal antibody treatment with bezlotoxumab, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), live biotherapeutic products like Rebyota® and Vowst®, microbiome restoration approaches, an experimental methods such as bacteriophage therapy and vaccines. These measures seek to reestablish intestinal microbial balance, avert recurrence, and enhance long-term patient results. Clinical pharmacists are crucial inenhancing antimicrobial treatment, executing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, overseeing medication safety, averting recurrences, and informing patients about evidence-based approaches to management. This narrative review outlines the present knowledge of CDI epidemiology, pathophysiology, standard treatment, novel therapeutic approaches, an the growing involvement of clinical pharmacists. Moreover, existing evidence, recent clinical improvements and potential research pathways are examined to offer a detailed perspective on contemporary CDI management.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile infection, fidaxomicin, bezlotoxumab, faecal microbiota transplantation, microbiome restoration, live biotherapeutics, antimicrobial stewardship, clinical pharmacist.