PPIs Double C. Diff Infection Risk: Meta-Analysis
Do PPIs Increase Clostridium Difficile Infection Risk?
Yes, this comprehensive meta-analysis confirms that proton pump inhibitor therapy significantly increases the risk of Clostridium difficile infection by approximately 2-fold, with the risk being highest in hospitalized patients and those on high-dose or long-term PPI therapy. The increased risk occurs because acid suppression reduces the stomach’s natural antimicrobial barrier, allowing C. difficile spores to survive gastric transit and establish infection in the colon.