Risk Factors Related to a Hospital-Associated Cluster ofClostridium difficilePCR Ribotype 027 Infections in Germany During 2007

Abstract
In 2007,Clostridium difficilepolymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotype 027 emerged in Germany. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to identify specific risk factors for infection with this strain. Logistic regression analysis involving 15 case patients and 31 control patients revealed that exposure to fluoroquinolones (matched odds ratio, 36.2;P< .01) or cephalosporins (matched odds ratio, 19.1;P< .01) was independently related to C.difficilePCR ribotype 027 infection.