Antimicrobial stewardship programs that target only high-cost, broad-spectrum antimicrobials miss opportunities to reduce Clostridium difficile infections.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs are promoted as a strategy to reduce Clostridium difficile infections. We implemented an antimicrobial stewardship program comprised of formulary restriction plus prospective audit with feedback for high-cost and broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Subsequently, we reviewed all heath care facility-onset, health care facility-associated C difficile infections. We found that most of these infections were associated with the antecedent receipt of nonaudited, and often unnecessary, antimicrobials. Copyright Â