What is a significant risk factor associated with C. diff infection?

A significant risk factor associated with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection is the prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and are frequently used in patients with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers. By reducing stomach acidity, PPIs can disrupt the normal gastrointestinal flora and create an environment more conducive to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like C. difficile.

When the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines is altered, either through antibiotic use or changes in stomach acidity, the risk of C. diff infection increases. C. difficile can proliferate in the intestines following disturbances in the gut microbiome, leading to diarrhea, colitis, and more severe intestinal complications. Therefore, the prolonged use of PPIs is recognized as a significant risk factor for developing C. diff infection, particularly when combined with recent antibiotic therapy.

The other choices do not have strong correlations with the risk factors for C. diff infections as shown by clinical studies. High protein diets, frequent exercise, and low stress levels are not considered significant contributors to the likelihood of C. difficile infection and do not have a causal link in the same way that prolonged PPI use does