Existing and investigational therapies for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection: A focus on narrow spectrum, microbiota-sparing agents.

Despite intense international attention and efforts to reduce its incidence, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains a significant concern for patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations. It is costly for payers and disabling for patients. Furthermore, recurrent CDI is particularly difficult to manage, resulting in excess mortality, hospital length of stay, and other healthcare resource use. A greater understanding of the role of the gut microbiome has emphasized the importance of this diverse community in providing colonization resistance against CDI. The introduction of fidaxomicin, which has limited effect on the microflora has improved clinical outcomes in relation to disease recurrence. There are a number of other new agents in development, which appear to have a narrow spectrum of activity whilst exerting minimal effect on the microflora. Whilst the role of these emerging agents in the treatment of CDI is presently unclear, they appear to be promising candidates.