Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized cancer patients.

e20707 Background: The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI) has significantly increased over the past decade. Although the epidemiology and treatment of CDI is well elucidated in the non-oncology population, it is poorly understood among cancer patients. CDI prevention is particularly important for patients with cancer, because diarrhea often results in dose reductions or delays of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective study to assess the incidence and severity of C. difficile infection among adult cancer patients admitted to the Oncology Service at “12 de Octubre” University Hospital, from January 2009 to March 2013. All inpatients with diarrhea underwent testing for the presence of C. difficile (enzyme immunoassay for toxins A and B). Chemotherapy administered, and antibiotics used before the development of CDI symptoms, was noted. Results: Of the 230 admitted patients during the 4-year study period, the overall incidence of CDI was 9.6% (N=22). Of...