This study investigated the prevalence of the bacteria Clostridium difficile (CD) in the intestine of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that stage 4 colorectal patients or patients with lymph node metastasis (spread to the lymph nodes) had an increased risk of CD in the intestine.  

CD is one the major causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Cancer patients with CD in their intestines are at a higher risk of having a severe diarrhea caused by chemotherapy treatment. Therefore the detection and management of CD in the intestine of these patients is of major importance. However, the rate of CD in the bowel of colorectal cancer patients before surgery is not known. Moreover, the risk factors and the cause of CD transmission among hospitalized colorectal cancer patients remains unclear. 

The objective of this study was to investigate the rate of CD in the intestine of colorectal cancer patients before surgery.

A total of 205 pre-surgery colorectal cancer patients were included in this study. All patients were treated at the same hospital. 33 out of 205 (16.1%) were positive for CD in the intestine.

Patients with lymph node metastasis (spread) were 2.3 times more at risk of having CD in their intestine than patients without lymph node involvement. Patients with blood in the stool had a 70% decrease in the risk of having CD.

The CD detected in these patients were not related (different species).

This study determined that patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or beyond have a higher rate of CD in their intestines. The study also determined that the CD infection occurred outside the hospital, since the bacteria were different species. The authors suggested that patients should be monitored for CD infection.

Discuss with your doctor whether you should be monitored for CD infection.