CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE (aka C. difficile, c-dif)
What is it?
It is a bacterium associated with diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. Patients who have a compromised immune systems are at risk. These are most commonly patients or residents in facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals. A study showed that 20% of hospital patients tested positive for C-dif upon entering the hospital or acquired it while staying at the hospital.
How do you get it?
Antibiotics can cause C-dif. Antibiotics change the levels of good microorganisms in the intestines as well as eliminating the desired bad bacteria. When the good microorganisms are killed and the C-dif microorganism is present it can produce toxins that lead to infection.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are: watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain and tenderness. Commonly, it will cause dehydration but in rare instances it can cause death if left untreated.
How is it transmitted?
C-dif is common in feces and is spread from person to person to by hand contact. It can also be transmitted if a person touches an object contaminated with infected feces and then touches their mouth. Be careful to disinfect items in the environment including toilet, telephones and any other commonly touched objects because spores can be present.
How can C-dif transmission be prevented?
- Wash hands frequently between entering patients rooms
- Use gloves during patient care
- Use gowns if soiling clothes is likely
- Dedicate equipment for sole use of an infected patient
- Continue to use these precautions for 72 hours after the diarrhea has ended