Latest news with #C.diff
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for
People 'can't function' when struck down with the nasty bacteria HEALTH ALERT Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS have been warned as a deadly bacteria that kills one in 10 sufferers has spiked in the UK. Cases of the "worst diarrhoea ever" are rising - here are three symptoms to watch out for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel Credit: Getty Clostridioides difficile, otherwise known as C. diff, has killed more than one in 10 cases from 2023 to 2024. Concerned doctors are warning the death toll could continue to soar if action isn't taken. The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Metro: "We cannot afford for more patients to be dying of this every year." She said people "can't function" when struck down with the nasty bacteria. "Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life," added the expert. From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK Health Security Agency received 19,239 reports of C. diff sufferers. This alarming figure is the highest since 2011/12. Huge efforts to tackle the potentially killer bug were taken in 2007, which helped reduce the rate of infections. The most common symptoms to recognise are severe diarrhoea, high temperature and stomach ache. ITV reality star rushed to A&E as she shares worrying hospital bed snaps Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from C. diff from 2023 to 2024, which translates to a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. When it reached it's peak in 2007, over 7,000 people lost their lives. It is actually normal to have C. diff bacteria in your bowel, without experiencing any trouble. However, problems arise when the normal balance is disrupted, and you become infected. And, those who are diagnosed with the bug onCe, are 25 per cent more likely to catch it again. Bizarrely, if you catch it a second time, there's a 40 per cent chance you'll get it a third time. After this, you'll be a staggeringly 60 per cent more likely to be struck down with it again. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Cases have been spiking across all ages and sexes across the UK, but the worst affected group has so far been the elderly. Dr Davies further explained how the medical profession has "taken their eye off the ball" since the Covid pandemic. But the NHS is struggling to keep up with the costs, as each case can cost between £19,000 to £31,000 to treat. The eye-watering sum is partly down to the quarantine precautions required, and isolation of nurses. However, even if people do recover, they're likely to experience long-lasting systems which can continue affecting them forever. Campaigners trying to bring figures down have been calling for the medical industry to do routine tests for C. diff in all patients who come in with diarrhoea. They also argue antibiotics need to stop being overprescribed. Meanwhile, Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, said: "UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. "It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. "C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)." He said the "infections diarrhoea" which can "increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay". The expert warned the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Mr Hope explained infections are best managed through "prevention and control" alongside strict monitoring. C. diff symptoms According to the NHS; Symptoms of a C. diff infection diarrhoea a high temperature loss of appetite feeling sick a stomach ache How you get a C. diff infection C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel along with lots of other types of bacteria. But sometimes when you take antibiotics, the balance of bacteria in your bowel can change, causing an infection. When someone has a C. diff infection, it can spread to other people very easily if the bacteria found in the person's poo get onto objects and surfaces. Who's at risk You're more likely to get a C. diff infection if: you're over 65 years you're taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics you're staying in hospital or a care home for a long time you have a weakened immune system – for example, from having a long-term condition like diabetes or kidney failure, or treatment like chemotherapy you're taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole, or other medicines that reduce stomach acid you've had a C. diff infection in the past
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for
BRITS have been warned as a deadly bacteria that kills one in 10 sufferers has spiked in the UK. Cases of the "worst diarrhoea ever" are rising - here are three symptoms to watch out for. Advertisement 2 The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel Credit: Getty Clostridioides difficile, otherwise known as C. diff, has killed more than one in 10 cases from 2023 to 2024. Concerned doctors are warning the death toll could continue to soar if action isn't taken. The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Advertisement Read More She said people "can't function" when struck down with the nasty bacteria. "Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life," added the expert. From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK Health Security Agency received 19,239 reports of C. diff sufferers. This alarming figure is the highest since 2011/12. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Exclusive Huge efforts to tackle the potentially killer bug were taken in 2007, which helped reduce the rate of infections. The most common symptoms to recognise are severe diarrhoea, high temperature and stomach ache. ITV reality star rushed to A&E as she shares worrying hospital bed snaps Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from C. diff from 2023 to 2024, which translates to a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. When it reached it's peak in 2007, over 7,000 people lost their lives. Advertisement It is actually normal to have C. diff bacteria in your bowel, without experiencing any trouble. However, problems arise when the normal balance is disrupted, and you become infected. And, those who are diagnosed with the bug onCe, are 25 per cent more likely to catch it again. Bizarrely, if you catch it a second time, there's a 40 per cent chance you'll get it a third time. Advertisement After this, you'll be a staggeringly 60 per cent more likely to be struck down with it again. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Cases have been spiking across all ages and sexes across the UK, but the worst affected group has so far been the elderly. Dr Davies further explained how the medical profession has "taken their eye off the ball" since the Covid pandemic. Advertisement But the NHS is struggling to keep up with the costs, as each case can cost between £19,000 to £31,000 to treat. The eye-watering sum is partly down to the quarantine precautions required, and isolation of nurses. However, even if people do recover, they're likely to experience long-lasting systems which can continue affecting them forever. Campaigners trying to bring figures down have been calling for the medical industry to do routine tests for C. diff in all patients who come in with diarrhoea. Advertisement They also argue antibiotics need to stop being overprescribed. Meanwhile, Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, said: "UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. "It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. "C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)." Advertisement He said the "infections diarrhoea" which can "increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay". The expert warned the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Mr Hope explained infections are best managed through "prevention and control" alongside strict monitoring. C. diff symptoms According to the NHS; Symptoms of a C. diff infection diarrhoea a high temperature loss of appetite feeling sick a stomach ache How you get a C. diff infection C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel along with lots of other types of bacteria. But sometimes when you take antibiotics, the balance of bacteria in your bowel can change, causing an infection. When someone has a C. diff infection, it can spread to other people very easily if the bacteria found in the person's poo get onto objects and surfaces. Who's at risk You're more likely to get a C. diff infection if: you're over 65 years you're taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics you're staying in hospital or a care home for a long time you have a weakened immune system – for example, from having a long-term condition like diabetes or kidney failure, or treatment like chemotherapy you're taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole, or other medicines that reduce stomach acid you've had a C. diff infection in the past 2 Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from from 2023 to 2024 Credit: Getty Advertisement
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
UK health warning after cases of bacteria causing 'worst diarrhoea ever' soar
Experts are warning about soaring new cases of a deadly bacteria which leaves patients scared with the 'worst diarrhoea ever'. Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, infections killed more than one in 10 cases in 2023/4 and costs the NHS tens of thousands of pounds. Doctors are now also warning that cases and deaths could continue to rise across the UK if more is not done to reduce numbers to pre-pandemic levels. The highly contagious bacterium is found in people's bowel and can cause infection when there are other risk factors involved, such as old age, use of antibiotics, and hospital exposure. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Metro: 'We cannot afford for more patients to be dying of this every year. 'We can't afford for more patients to be taken out of the economy every year because they can't function due to this illness. 'Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life.' There were 19,239 cases of C. diff reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from February 2024 to January 2025. This is the highest since 2011/12, after the UK successfully brought down rates from a peak of over 50,000 cases in 2007. Common symptoms include severe diarrhoea, a high temperature and stomach ache. But people do die from the infection, with 2,164 patients dying from it in 2023/4 – a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. Over 7,000 people died in 2007 when cases reached its high point. C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel without infecting you along with lots of other types of bacteria. However when the normal balance of bacteria in your gut is disrupted you can become infected – and very easily pass it on to others through spores in diarrhoea. Rates of the potentially-fatal bacteria are now soaring across all age groups and sexes, although it predominantly affects the elderly. Dr Davies, who has researched the bacteria for 20 years, warned healthcare professionals have 'taken their eye off the ball'. She added: 'We were world-leading in bringing rates down to very low levels, but now there is a a breakdown in infection prevention. 'There is a lack of focus since the Covid pandemic. We do not want levels to go back to where they were previously, where we had big out breaks affecting a lot of people. 'It's a significant number of people that do die from this. For those that don't die, it causes huge impacts on their lives.' One of the drivers of C. diff is the high chance of becoming re-infected once you have already had it once. After becoming infected for the first time, there is a 25 per chance chance of getting it again. After the second time, there is a 40 per cent chance it comes back, and a 60 per cent chance of a fourth infection if you get a third time. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Recurrent infections of C. diff are expensive to treat, and cost the NHS anywhere form £19,000 to £31,000 for each case, studies show. This is because of isolation precautions, the use of isolation nurses and the cost of medications. Studies also show that primary cases, the first time someone is infected, also cost the NHS upwards of £11,000 per person treated. Even for people who recover, a C. diff infection can be a horrid experience because of the other, often long-lasting, symptoms. Dr Davies explained: 'Patients are scared, and they are frightened. 'They tell us they're really worried about leaving their houses because they don't know if they'll be near a toilet when they go out. 'It can effect their ability to work. It takes them a long time to recover. 'Even though they might be asymptomatic, their diarrhoea may have resolved, the frailty that it imposes on the patient, actually, that takes them a long time to recover from. 'It is a difficult infection, it is complicated. You can carry this and not be affected. You won't have an infection because your microbiome is intact.' Combatting rising levels of C. diff needs to be a priority for the NHS, Dr Davies argues. Campaigners say medical leaders and staff must test for it C. diff in suspected cases of infectious diarrhoea and isolate potentially infectious patients immediately. They say emphasis also needs to be on active hygiene and cleaning measures and avoiding overprescribing antibiotics. 'It is complicated. It isn't an asy fix, and that's why it needs everyone's attention and focus,' Dr Davies said. She chairs the new charity the C Diff Trust, which works in the UK and Ireland to advocate for patient support and educate healthcare proffessionals. Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, told Metro that the NHS are working hard to tackle C. diff outbreaks. He added: 'UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. More Trending 'It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. 'C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). 'It causes infectious diarrhoea, which can increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay, particularly in the elderly and people whose immune systems are compromised. 'Outbreaks of these infections can be managed through robust infection prevention and control processes and comprehensive surveillance of infection.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I struggled on stage like Lewis Capaldi – I'm in awe of his return MORE: Urgent recall of Ritz crackers over 'life-threatening' health risk MORE: New 'scalp cooling' device could help stop cancer patients losing their hair
DW
06-06-2025
- Health
- DW
Fecal transplants: Study is a 'wake-up call' for the field – DW – 06/06/2025
They are hailed as a promising method to restore gut microbiomes, but a study suggests fecal transplants may bring unintended health risks. Fecal microbial transplants (FMTs) can be traced back to the 4th Century, but it is only since their approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in past decade that the procedure has entered wide practice. They have been hailed as a treatment for Clostridium difficile or a common bacterial infection that can cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. The FDA first approved FMTs as a treatment for in 2013 and approved the first drug for FMT treatment in 2022. Some think FMTs may also be an option for treating Crohn's disease— a chronic autoimmune condition — ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disorder. But researchers warned in a study published June 6, 2025, that FMTs may introduce microbes that could hijack the host environment to suit their needs and thrive, potentially introducing new health risks. The study, which was performed in mice, human tissue samples and with a small volunteer group, found "mismatches" between the donor fecal matter and destination gut environment could have unintended consequences on the recipient's immune and metabolic function. "Even a single FMT will cause a change in the host-microbe relationships in these very different regions of the bowel that may be very difficult to reverse," said Eugene Chang, the study's senior author and a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, US, in a press statement. How does a fecal transplant work? Every human has a unique mix of microbes in their gastrointestinal tract — the gut. This includes trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that perform biological duties within the body. Collectively, this collection of microbes is called gut flora. For some people, this ecosystem of microbes is disrupted by infections, autoimmune issues and other problems. This disrupted state is called gut dysbiosis. FMT donors need to meet a range of requirements: For instance, they must be free of blood-related infections, such as hepatitis and HIV, and they cannot have gut issues themselves. Doctors usually perform a colonoscopy to extract the donor's stool and, after further preparation, insert the donor microbes via a long tube into the recipient's gut. How does a Fecal Microbiota Transplant work? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Colonizing the colon In the study, microbes were taken from three separate regions of the small and large intensities and implanted into mice recipients. Each batch of newly introduced gut flora appeared to take over — or, as described by the researchers, "terraform" — the entire intestinal tract of each mouse, rather than simply occupying the same region they originated from in the donor's gut. The colonizing microbes also transformed genes and proteins in the tissues of the recipient mice to make a more accommodating environment — even at a microbial level, these introduced species appeared to thrive. An assessment in seven human volunteers over a month also found high levels of microbe colonization in the small intestine. Because this caused modifications to immune and metabolic functions, the researchers say greater care should be given to designing fecal transplants that use specific, targeted microbes for the intestines. The gut is not only for digestion To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'wake-up call' for the FMT field The study's lead author, Orlando DeLeon, University of Chicago, said it was a "wake-up call to the field that maybe we shouldn't willy-nilly put large bowel microbes into different parts of the intestine that shouldn't be there." OMT — omni microbial transplantation — administers a batch of good gut flora as a pill or through endoscopy, targeting specific intestinal regions with "matched" microbes. DeLeon said it's a better way forward for fecal transplants. "The microbes that were supposed to be there are better suited for it," said DeLeon, "so they're more naturally going to fill it even in the presence of other microbes." DW approached the research group for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. Ed Kuijper, an expert at the Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands, who was not involved in the study, told DW via email that the research "clearly demonstrates that FMT […] affects the microbiota composition throughout the entire intestinal tract, in both humans and mice." But Kuijper said he had concerns with the conclusion that FMT leads to "microbiota mismatches" and "unintended consequences" in various regions of the intestinal tract. Just as the research team acknowledged the limitations of only investigating seven human subjects over a month, Kuijper said a more extensive assessment in patients would be important to conclusively assess the potential negative health outcomes of fecal transplants. "A more appropriate conclusion would be that FMT induces changes in both the small and large intestines in mice, with systemic effects that vary depending on the region affected. It remains unclear if these changes persist in humans." In Europe, an inter-organization group called EurFMT exchanges research and information, and maintains a continental registry for patient follow-up. Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Ferring Presents New Phase 3b Safety and Effectiveness Data for Recurrent
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ferring Pharmaceuticals presented initial findings from the investigational Phase 3b multi-center, single-arm CDI-SCOPE study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of REBYOTA ® (fecal microbiota, live – jslm) when administered by colonoscopy. REBYOTA is the first microbiome-based therapy approved for the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection (CDI) in individuals 18 years of age and older, following antibiotic treatment for C. diff infection. These data were presented at Digestive Disease Week 2025 (DDW2025) from May 3-6 in San Diego, CA. The single-arm CDI-SCOPE study demonstrated that treatment with REBYOTA administered by colonoscopy was safe. Only 5 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) – occurring in 9.8% (4/41) of participants – were considered possibly related to REBYOTA, all of which were mild in intensity and related to the gastrointestinal tract. Two participants withdrew consent and did not complete the 8-week follow-up assessment. "Colonoscopies are routinely used by physicians managing patients with recurrent C. difficile infection," said Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, M.D., F.A.C.G., A.G.A.F., Yale School of Medicine and PACT-Gastroenterology Center, a lead investigator of CDI-SCOPE. "The insights gained from this investigative study point to administration via colonoscopy as a promising potential option for physicians to consider for their patients." A second abstract from the CDI-SCOPE study reported the burden of rCDI on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and any improvements after treatment among 73.2% (30/41) participants. Prior to REBYOTA treatment, the most experienced rCDI symptoms were diarrhea (100%, 30/30), abdominal pain (70.0%, 21/30), and fatigue or weakness (46.7%, 14/30). All participants (100%, 30/30) reported that CDI recurrence impacted their daily living, including disrupting their sleep and forcing them to be near a bathroom at all times. Most participants also said that rCDI affected their social life and relationships (96.7%, 29/30) and their emotional wellbeing (93.3%, 28/30). Following treatment with REBYOTA, 89.7% of participants (26/29) saw an improvement in their symptoms within the first month, and more than half (51.7%, 15/29) felt an improvement within the first week. Symptom severity rating scores (0-10, none to worst) decreased significantly at Week 8 for diarrhea (from 8.9 to 1.3), abdominal pain (from 7.5 to 1.6), and fatigue (from 8.1 to 1.7). 'Recurrent CDI is a life-altering condition that many patients in our CDI-SCOPE trial called 'a literal living nightmare' that makes it impossible to function,' said Raza Ahmed, MD, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 'We are proud that REBYOTA has become an important, therapy for many patients who, for too long, were stuck in an agonizing cycle of CDI recurrence. With the data we are presenting this week at DDW, Ferring is continuing its commitment to supporting patients living with rCDI and their physicians by broadening the breadth of evidence.' A third CDI-SCOPE abstract showed that 90% of the physicians who completed the 41 colonoscopy procedures in the study had a 'positive' or 'very positive' experience across all aspects of administration, including the material preparation time and ease of passage through the colonoscope. One investigator reported their experience as 'somewhat negative' citing difficulty with connecting REBYOTA to the colonoscope. All 39 patients who completed 8-week visits were assessed by the physicians as either having 'much improved' or 'very much improved' on the clinical global impression – improvement scale (CGI-I). Additional Data from PUNCH™ Clinical Program Along with the data from CDI-SCOPE, Ferring also reported two analyses with data from the PUNCH™ clinical trial program. This included: Results from an integrated safety analysis of five clinical trials (n=1192) demonstrating a favorable safety profile with REBYOTA across all trials in the development program, including in participants with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunocompromising comorbidities. TEAEs were reported in 70.9% of patients who received REBYOTA, most of which were mild or moderate in severity and related to the gastrointestinal tract. Serious TEAEs were reported in 14.3% of patients receiving REBYOTA, most of which were related to rCDI and/or preexisting conditions, with few events (<1%) being considered possibly related to treatment. There was no clustering of serious TEAEs, including in comorbid subgroups. This new exploratory analysis of the PUNCH™ CD3 trial in which improvements in HRQoL were associated with changes in microbiome and metabolome composition. In a previous exploratory analysis, patients who responded to REBYOTA vs. placebo had a healthier gut microbiome composition with an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Bacteroidia and Clostridia) and a decrease in other bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli). This new analysis found that the greatest improvements in HRQoL – as measured using the disease-specific C. difficile Quality of Life Survey (Cdiff32), which examines physical, mental and social domains – were associated with the mental health domain, with the largest improvements associated with higher levels of Bacteroidia and Clostridia and lower levels of other bacteria. To learn more about REBYOTA and other information, please visit or About C. diff infection C. diff infection is a serious and potentially deadly infection that impacts people across the globe. The C. diff bacterium causes debilitating symptoms, such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness or pain, loss of appetite, nausea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon). 1 C. diff infection can be the start of a vicious cycle of recurrence, causing a significant burden for patients and the healthcare system. 2,3 It has been estimated that up to 35% of C. diff infection cases recur after initial diagnosis and people who have had a recurrence are at significantly higher risk of further infections. 4,5,6,7 After the first recurrence, it has been estimated that up to 65% of patients may develop a subsequent recurrence. 6,7 Antibiotics – the current standard of care for treatment of C. diff infection – treat the disease but can also be a contributing factor to the cycle of recurrence. 1 About REBYOTA REBYOTA is a pre-packaged, single-dose 150 mL microbiota suspension for rectal administration consisting of a liquid mix of up to trillions of live microbes – including Bacteroides. REBYOTA is delivered directly to the gut microbiome and is administered by a healthcare professional in one visit. INDICATION REBYOTA (fecal microbiota, live – jslm) is indicated for the prevention of recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection in individuals 18 years of age and older, following antibiotic treatment for recurrent C. diff infection. Limitation of Use REBYOTA is not indicated for the treatment of C. diff infection. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION You should not receive REBYOTA if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to REBYOTA or any of its components. You should report to your doctor any infection you think you may have acquired after administration. REBYOTA may contain food allergens. Most common side effects may include stomach pain (8.9%), diarrhea (7.2%), bloating (3.9%), gas (3.3%), and nausea (3.3%). REBYOTA has not been studied in patients below 18 years of age. Clinical studies did not determine if adults 65 years of age and older responded differently than younger adults. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit or call 1-800-332-1088. Please click to see the full Prescribing Information. About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately-owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. In the United States, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine, and in areas of gastroenterology and orthopaedics. We are at the forefront of innovation in microbiome-based therapeutics and uro-oncology intravesical gene therapy. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland. Ferring employs more than 7,000 people worldwide and markets its medicines in over 100 countries. Ferring USA is based in Parsippany, New Jersey, and employs more than 900 employees. For more information, please visit call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464), or connect with us on LinkedIn, and X. About DDW 2025 Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW is an in-person and online meeting from May 3-6, 2025. The meeting showcases more than 5,600 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is C. diff? 7 Sep. 2022. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report: Clostridioides difficile. 23 Nov. 2021. Available at: Feuerstadt P, et al. Healthcare resource utilization and direct medical costs associated with index and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: a real-world data analysis. J Med Econ. 2020;23(6):603-609. Riddle DJ, Dubberke ER. Clostridium difficile infection in the intensive care unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2009;23(3):727-743. Nelson WW, et al. Health care resource utilization and costs of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in the elderly: a real-world claims analysis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2021 Jul;27(7):828-838. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.20395. Epub 2021 Mar 11. Kelly, CP. Can we identify patients at high risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012;18 (Suppl. 6): 21–27. Smits WK, et al. Clostridium difficile
