This is the first systematic literature review to assess the humanistic burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) on patient experiences and attitudes toward treatment alternatives.

The burden of CDI on physical and mental functioning was similar between patients who had active CDI and those who had cleared infection, indicating that CDI has a lasting impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) even after successful treatment.

Increased CDI disease severity and recurrence were associated with lower overall and specific HRQoL scores.

CDI and its associated symptoms have a debilitating impact on physical and mental health; the impact on physical, mental, social, and work/professional functioning during and after CDI clearance is profound.