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Opioid Users Face Higher Risk of C. Diff Infections

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Opioid use increases the risk of Clostridioides difficile infections.
University of Georgia researchers analyzed data from nearly 120,000 patients.
They found 31% of opioid users developed C. diff, compared with 17% of non-users, possibly because opioids weaken the immune system and disrupt gut bacteria.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Infection Control.

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Story summary

Opioid use increases the risk of Clostridioides difficile infections.
University of Georgia researchers analyzed data from nearly 120,000 patients.
They found 31% of opioid users developed C. diff, compared with 17% of non-users, possibly because opioids weaken the immune system and disrupt gut bacteria.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Infection Control.