Improved infection control practices during pandemic cut C.diff infections

Clostridiodes difficile infection rates fell significantly in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic, according to research published in Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control. The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies on C.diff infection incidence published from December 2019 through October 2025, with most studies conducted in hospitals in the U.S. and Spain. The pooled incidence rate of C.diff infections fell 20% from 4.42 per 10,000 patient-days before the pandemic to 3.8 per 10,000 patient days during the pandemic. The authors attributed the decline to enhanced hand hygiene, rigorous use of personal protective equipment and increased environmental cleaning. They also note the delay of elective procedures, decreased surgeries and shorter hospital stays could have reduced patient exposure. (CIDRAP news brief, 4/7/26)