Monoclonal Antibodies as Secondary Prophylaxis of C. difficile Infection

A single infusion of two neutralizing, fully human monoclonal antibodies against Clostridium difficile toxins significantly reduced the recurrence rate of such infection.

Although most patients with Clostridium difficile infection show an initial response to antibiotic therapy, recurrent infection is common, and some patients suffer multiple recurrences. Now, in an industry-supported, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, investigators have evaluated the use of novel monoclonal antibodies against C. difficile toxins A (CDA1) and B (CDB1) as adjunctive therapy.

The study involved 200 patients (mean age, 64) who had had diarrhea associated with a C. difficile–positive stool test during the preceding 14 days. The patients were randomized to receive a single intravenous infusion of CDA1-CDB1 or saline placebo; all also received either metronidazole or vancomycin. Laboratory-documented recurrence of…

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)