Why is clostridium difficile infections levels increasing in the elderly?

C diff: Broad spectrum antibiotics is the cause.

Yes: C. Difficile is implicated in 10-30% of people with hospital associated diarrhea. Incidence varies but c. Difficile colitis in acute-care hospitals increased from 30-40 cases per 100, 000 population in the 1990's to 84 per 100, 000 by 2005. It is increasing in all populations including the elderly.

Old - vulnerable.: The elderly are at increased risk of acquiring C diff infection because of: 1) co-morbidities; 2) need for hospitalization and extended stays in health care facilities (nursing home etc.); 3) higher rate of procedures especially GI procedures; 4) increase antibiotic exposure and; 5) possibly poor fecal microbiome reconstitution and immunity.