Clostridium Difficile

About Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile facts, including how the disease is spread, common symptoms, treatment, and how to minimize your risk of infection.

On this page:
C. difficile basics
Signs and symptoms
Complications
Testing and diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Fact sheet

C. difficile basics

What is it?

Clostridium difficile is a Gram positive, spore-forming bacteria.

How is it spread?

The bacteria are found in the feces. People can become infected if they touch items or surfaces that are contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes. Healthcare workers can spread the bacteria to other patients or contaminate surfaces through hand contact.

Who gets it?

People at greatest risk for infection are:

the elderly (>65 years)
those with other serious illnesses
have conditions requiring use of antibiotics
have recently taken antibiotics

Signs and symptoms

Watery liquid diarrhea lasting for two or more days is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Abdominal pain/cramps

Signs and Symptoms of severe infection:

Watery diarrhea 10 to 15 times a day
Blood or pus in stool
Dehydration
Weight loss

Loose stools during or shortly after antibiotic therapy is common. Talk to your doctor if you have fever, severe abdominal pain or cramping, blood in your stool, or any converns about your health.

Complications

If left untreated, serious complications of severe C. difficile infection include:

Dehydration
serious intestinal conditions such as colitis
Death (in rare cases)

Testing and diagnosis

If you suspect you have a C. difficile infection talk to your doctor.

Treatment

C. difficile is generally treated for 10 days with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Prevention

The best prevention method is to frequently clean your hands and your environment.

Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating;
Clean surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas on a regular basis with household detergent/disinfectants.