Reports on real-world experience on efficacy of bezlotoxumab (BEZ) has
been lacking thus far. We retrospectively studied the efficacy and
safety of BEZ in preventing the recurrence of Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) in five university hospitals in Finland. Seventy-three
percent of our 46 patients remained free of recurrence in the following
3 months and the performance remained as 71% effective also among
immunocompromised patients. In severe CDI, BEZ prevented recurrence in
63% of cases. From our study patients, 78% had three or more known risk
factors for recurrence of CDI. Eight of our patients were waiting for
fecal microbiota transplantation but after stopping the antibiotics that
were continued to prevent recurrence of CDI and after receiving BEZ,
all remained free of recurrence and did not need the procedure. Success
with BEZ as an adjunctive treatment in preventing recurrence of CDI in
high-risk patients may be rated as high. Among a subgroup of our
patients, those already evaluated to be in need of fecal microbiota
transplantation, BEZ seems to be an alternative option.