Incidence and Economic Burden of Clostridium Difficile Infections (CDI) in the German Health Care System (IBIS)

Inclusion Criteria: * Index episode of CDI based on * the presence of diarrhea (defined as ≥3 unformed bowel movements/24h) plus * an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detecting Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for toxin B test plus * a positive EIA for toxin A and B * Ongoing or new hospitalization at inclusion into the study. * Written informed consent (IC) has been obtained from the study subject or a legal representative. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with any social or logistical condition which in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with the conduct of the study, such as incapacity to well understand, not willing to collaborate, or cannot easily be contacted after discharge. * CDI episode within the previous 84 days.