Clostridioides difficile (also known as C. difficile or C. diff.) is a bacterium that causes colitis, or inflammation (swelling) of the colon. The infection usually occurs when people, particularly the elderly who are also receiving medical care, take antibiotics over a long period of time. Show
OverviewWhat is Clostridioides difficile?Clostridioides difficile (pronounced klos-TRID-e-OY-dees dif-uh-SEEL), also known as C. diff. or C. difficile), is a germ that can cause diarrhea or a more serious intestinal condition such as colitis. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes Clostridioides difficile?When a person takes antibiotics, the “good germs” in the intestines are killed off making it easier to become infected by the Clostridioides difficile germ. The germ is found in stool (bowel movement), and is spread to other people by unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces, or objects. In a healthcare setting, the germs have been found on objects such as toilets, bathroom fixtures, bed rails, and rectal thermometers. The germ is able to survive for a very long time on a variety of surfaces. What are the symptoms of Clostridioides difficile?Symptoms may include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is Clostridioides difficile infection diagnosed?Clostridioides difficile is diagnosed by testing the stool of patients who are having frequent liquid diarrhea such as 3 or more stools in a 24 hour period. In a severe case, a procedure called flexible sigmoidoscopy may be performed to confirm that the lower part of the intestine (colon) is inflamed. In this procedure a long, thin tube called a sigmoidoscope is placed inside the intestine to allow a doctor to visually examine the colon. Management and TreatmentHow is Clostridioides difficile infection treated?Clostridioides difficile is usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. In rare severe cases, a person might need to have surgery to remove the infected part of the intestine. Patients who have Clostridioides difficile infection should not use drugs to control diarrhea unless prescribed by their healthcare provider as this could make the infection worse. PreventionClostridium difficile: Infection Prevention and Contact PrecautionsWhat can be done to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection?To prevent Clostridioides difficile infection, hospitals and nursing homes take the following precautions:
When caring for patients with Clostridioides difficile hospitals and nursing homes will:
Hospitals and nursing homes may also ask the patient’s visitors to:
What do I do after returning home from the hospital?You can return to your normal routine once you are back at home. The diarrhea is often better or gone before you go home, which makes the spread of Clostridioides difficile to others much less likely. You can lower the chances of developing Clostridioides difficile infection again or spreading it to others. For example:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat happens after treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection?Antibiotics for Clostridioides difficile are usually an effective treatment. Fever usually goes away within 2 days, and diarrhea ends in 2 to 4 days. In about 10-20% of patients, symptoms may recur (return) within 1 to 2 weeks of ending treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if your diarrhea returns. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat are stools like with C. diff?Frequent, foul smelling, watery stools characterize mild cases of C. difficile disease. More severe symptoms, indicative of pseudomembranous colitis, include diarrhea that contains blood and mucous and abdominal cramps.
What is the consistency of C. diff stool?Patients with diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile typically produce frequent stools that are watery, soft, or semi-formed in consistency. Patients who produce formed stool specimens are not likely to be infected with C. difficile.
What color are C. diff stools?Green stool is often considered a clinical indication of suspected CDI.
How many loose stools are considered C. diff?Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) may be suspected in residents with new onset of diarrhea who have 3 or more unformed stools (conform to the shape of the container) in a 24-hour period. To determine if a patient has CDI, consider both clinical symptoms and lab test results.
|