[Epidemic risk of disease associated with a new strain of Clostridium difficile].

The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection in North America and Europe has increased in the last years, generating concern among health professionals. A new strain of C. difficile has been identified in recent nosocomial outbreaks and community-acquired infections. This new strain, characterized as toxigenic type III, PCR ribotype 027 (C. difficile 027), presents higher pathogenicity because of increased exotoxin production, and a characteristic antibiotic resistance profile. Since 2003, several European countries have notified cases of C. difficile 027-associated disease, a fact that demonstrates its rapid dissemination. In this article, we review the latest nosocomial outbreaks associated with this new strain, which illustrate the need for a standardized surveillance system for early detection and implementation of control measures aimed at reducing the spread of this microorganism.