Chlorhexidine Bathing Effect on Clostridium Difficile Rates

Effect of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing on Clostridium Difficile Rates on the General Medical Floor in Patients Receiving Antibiotics

Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) infections, whether nosocomial or community borne, may present with profound diarrhea, especially in those patients receiving antibiotics. Based on a preliminary review of hospital data, the investigators have found that these symptomatic c. diff infections occur with a relatively high incidence at Delnor Hospital. Notwithstanding their high mortality, one recent study attributes a near quadrupling of hospitalization costs to c. diff infections. Chlorhexidine baths have been shown in multiple randomized trials to help reduce the incidence of highly virulent pathogens and hospital acquired infections. Further, several studies show a favorable effect of reducing the incidence of c. diff infections by using Chlorhexidine baths on ICU patients. Far fewer studies, however, have focused on the effects of these baths on general medical/surgical wards. This investigation seeks to study the effect of the daily use of 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate wipes in patients on the general medical/surgical wards who are exposed to antibiotics for a suspected or confirmed infection.

Study data will cease to be collected after 300 participants have been enrolled or until 12 months have elapsed. Data will be collected and assessed monthly.

Inclusion Criteria: Prescription of antibiotics for suspected or confirmed infection. Admitted to the 2600 General/Medical ward at Delnor Hospital. Exclusion Criteria: Antibiotics only for surgical prophylaxis Not mentally capable Cannot provide consent in English Pregnant Documented chlorhexidine allergy Patient is a prisoner Health system employee