Dr. Nick Turner et al. worked together on an article published in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases regarding healthcare-associated diarhhea (HCAD). (Abstract on PubMed).
The aim of the article is to review the epidemiology, cause, diagnostic evaluation, and management of healthcare-associated diarrhea with particular attention to current epidemiology and recent developments in diagnostics. Clinical assessment remains fundamental to the evaluation of HCAD and targeted testing for C. difficile is sufficient in most patients. Multiplex gastrointestinal panels may have a role in immunocompromised patients but more study is needed. Medication-induced diarrhea is common and underappreciated and not limited to antibiotics, laxatives, and enemas.