We asked 103 gastroenterologists in the U.S. for their opinion on the diagnosis and treatment of C. difficile infections (CDI).

To understand physician's evolving practice patterns and knowledge of C.difficile infections, KeyOps teamed up with Dr. Jessica Allegretti to survey 103 US gastroenterologists about CDI testing and treatment.

Dr. Jessica Allegretti is the director of the fecal microbiota transplant program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and is leading several clinical trials investigating the use of fecal transplantation in chronic diseases such as IBD and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
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Executive Summary:
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Who: 103 US-based gastroenterologists
What: Diagnosis and treatment of C. difficile infections
How: Recruited over 100+ GIs within 1 week to a qualitative nationwide survey
What we discovered:‍

81% of GIs see up to 5 CDI patients a month.
71% of physicians identified that GDH reflexed to EIA testing is the recommended testing modality to diagnose CDI
57% of physicians currently offer FMT as a treatment option
83% of GIs plan to use microbiome-based therapeutics once approved in lieu of FMT.

Below is a detailed summary of responses to individual questions as well as anonymous comments from the KeyOps community.

Thank you for your valuable insights!

The client can proceed with a medical education strategy that targets a broad array of medical oncologists. Communication will focus on specific stages of the patient journey and the data that support the new test’s use in these stages. The pricing insight also helps forecast the size of the market opportunity.

64% of physicians order 2 or more tests for CDI per month

The majority send more than 2 tests per month

GDH reflexed to EIA toxin testing is the most commonly available test followed by PCR

Openbiome is the most frequently used source for donor material

Most commonly cited reasons for not offering FMT is COVID related issues and lack of resources (for e.g. experience, personnel, facility)

What benefits do you believe micro-biome based therapeutics have above FMT?Physicians believe microbiome-based therapeutics are more effective and easier to use

17% of physicians do not intend to offer FMT

Most commonly cited reasons are the need to learn more and limited efficacy

Respondent profile

57%

Male respondents

43%

Female respondents

Top 3 most insightful comments as selected by Dr Allegretti:

"Decreased risk of infection, improved patient acceptance of treatment modality "
(GI, Massachusetts)

"Non-invasive administration"
(GI, Dr. Ari Grinspan, New York)

"FMT not widely available and other therapies will provide more accessible option if clinically effective" (GI, Dr. Joy Liu, Illinois)