CBL - Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhoea

Question 1

How would you treat an MRSA infection? [8]

Answer 1

1. IV vancomycin
2. +/- oral rifampicin, fusidic acid, doxycycline or trimethoprim or oral linezolid or IV daptomycin or IV tigecycline

Question 2

How should clostridium difficile infection (CDI) be assessed and managed? [4]

Answer 2

1. The severity of the CDI should be assessed and appropriate treatment initiated:
   
   • i.e. a decision made as to whether to start metronidazole or vancomycin
2. Standard infection control precautions need to be in place as well as:
   
   • isolation of the patient and
   • appropriate hand hygiene with soap and water (not alcohol gels)

Question 3

What surgical prophylaxis should you give a patient that is MRSA positive? [2]

Answer 3

• Surgical prophylaxis appropriate to cover MRSA should include a glycopeptide such as:
  
  1. vancomycin or
  2. teicoplanin