近十年來，全球罹患困難梭狀芽孢桿菌感染（Clostridium difficile infection, CDI）的個案與日俱增，除了抗生素濫用，老化也是一導因。尤其對許多長期照護機構而言，CDI是需要醫護人員保持高度警覺且適時採取隔離措施的感染疾病。此症會引發嚴重腹瀉，導致電解質失衡、營養吸收不良，引發長者身體失能與心理衝擊。本文藉由瞭解CDI的病理生理學來探討此疾病對高齡者所造成的生理／心理影響、治療方式，如糞便腸內菌移植（fecal microbiota transplantation, FMT），與日常照護措施，期能有助於健康照護人員對此症的瞭解而防患於未然。

The global incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in recent decades. The etiology of CDI includes aging as well as the misuse of antibiotics. This highly infectious disease requires that healthcare workers be vigilant and take isolation precautions, particularly in long-term facilities. CDI contributes to the development of severe diarrhea, which may cause imbalance of electrolytes, malabsorption of nutrients, physical disabilities, and psychosocial impacts in older patients. This article explores the pathophysiology, impacts, treatments (e.g., fecal microbiota transplantation [FMT]), and daily care regimens related to CDI with the goal of helping healthcare workers understand this disease and take action during the early stages of CDI.