Publication date: Dec 01, 2025

This study was aimed to explore the global burden and trends of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) associated diseases. Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The burden of CDI was assessed using the age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years (ASR-DALYs) and deaths (ASDRs). Trends in the burden of CDI were presented using average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). The ASR-DALYs for CDI increased from 1. 83 (95% UI: 1. 53-2. 18) per 100,000 in 1990 to 3. 46 (95% UI: 3. 04-3. 96) per 100,000 in 2021, with an AAPC of 2. 03% (95% CI: 1. 67-2. 4%). The ASDRs for CDI rose from 0. 10 (95% UI: 0. 08-0. 11) per 100,000 in 1990 to 0. 19 (95% UI: 0. 16-0. 23) per 100,000 in 2021, with an AAPC of 2. 26% (95% CI: 1. 74-2. 79%). In 2021, higher burdens of ASR-DALYs (10. 7 per 100,000) and ASDRs (0. 53 per 100,000) were observed in high socio-demographic index (SDI) areas, and among age group over 70 years (31. 62/100,000 for ASR-DALYs and 2. 45/100,000 for ASDRs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global ASR-DALYs and ASDRs slightly decreased. However, in regions with low SDI, low-middle and middle SDI, those rates slightly increased. The global burden of CDI has significantly increased, particularly in regions with high SDI and among individuals aged 70 years and above. During the COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2021, the burden of CDI further increased in regions with low, low-middle, and middle SDI. These findings underscore the need for increased attention and intervention, especially in specific countries and populations.

Semantics

Original Article