Proton pump inhibitors and the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52692/1857-0011.2025.2-82.37Keywords:
proton pump inhibitors, Clostridioides difficile infection, pathogenetic mechanismsAbstract
Clostridioides difficile infection has been highlighted as a major public health problem, including as one of the most common healthcare-associated infections. The use of drugs (antimicrobials, gastric antisecretory drugs) has been mentioned as a risk factor for the development of Clostridioides difficile infection. Proton pump inhibitors have been reported to be frequently prescribed not only for the treatment of conditions associated with gastric hypersecretion, but also in a number of less specific conditions. Considered safe and effective drugs, their frequent and, especially, long- term use motivated researchers to study the harmlessness of proton pump inhibitors. In this context, their influence on the absorption of vitamins and minerals, the development of infections (intestinal, pulmonary), renal and cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, dementia, etc. has been investigated. The development of Clostridioides difficile infection, induced by proton pump inhibitors, has been considered an adverse reaction with an increasing incidence, and the elucidation of the pathogenesis and responsible mechanisms is essential for the management of the rational use of these antisecretory drugs.
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