Which treatment is commonly used for C. difficile infection?

Oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin are the standard treatments for Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections. Both antibiotics have been shown effective in managing the infection and are administered for a duration of at least 10 days, depending on the severity of the disease and patient factors.

Metronidazole was previously a first-line therapy for nonsevere infections, while vancomycin is often preferred for more severe cases or in instances of recurrence. The mechanism of action for both involves disrupting bacterial protein synthesis, ultimately leading to the death of the C. difficile bacteria.

In contrast, the other treatment options provided are not suitable for managing C. difficile infections. For instance, oral ciprofloxacin is not typically recommended due to its inadequate activity against C. difficile, while intravenous antibiotics are generally not effective, as C. difficile primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe cases where complications arise, such as toxic megacolon or perforation, but it is not a first-line treatment. Thus, oral metronidazole or vancomycin is the correct approach for treating this infection.