Clostridium difficile infection in Tasmanian public hospitals 2006-2010

The Tasmanian rate of HCA HFO is increasing, and appears to be greater than that reported by other Australian states, but is less than many northern hemisphere regions, where hypervirulent strains of C. difficile are causing increasing morbidity and mortality. It is difficult to compare reported rates of CDI nationally and internationally owing to inconsistencies in study duration, denominator selection, testing effort and testing methodology. This study demonstrates the need for national standards for CDI testing and reporting.