Is there a role of penicillin allergy in developing Clostridioides difficile infection?

Abstract

Purpose of review 

To explore the evidence for an association between penicillin allergy, antibiotic prescribing and Clostridioides difficile (CDI) infection.

Recent findings 

Several studies have highlighted the differences in antibiotic prescribing in penicillin allergic patients and the impact on rates of C. difficile infection.

Summary 

Penicillin allergy leads to higher incidences of prescriptions for antibiotics that are known to predispose to CDI. In turn CDI is more common in patients with penicillin allergy. Penicillin allergy is often erroneously ascribed to patients and should be challenged.