Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic toxin-producing bacillus.
These spores survive in the environment and are resistant to heat and disinfectants. Clostridium difficile causes a spectrum of clinical syndromes from asymptomatic carriage, to the development of, in severe cases, pseudo membranous colitis. 3% of the general population and 15% of hospital patients are thought to be colonised.
Normal gut flora help limit C. difficile growth. However, when antibiotics disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut, C. difficile can multiply rapidly producing toxins which cause diarrhoea and colitis. C. difficile has a significant morbidity and mortality rate. It predominantly affects older people and is rare in people under 45.
The following factors increase the risk of developing CDI: -
Symptoms of C. difficile infection (CDI) include mild to severe offensive watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain/ tenderness, fever and dehydration.
CDI is spread through direct patient-patient contact via healthcare staff e.g. contaminated hands and through the use of contaminated equipment such as commodes. Thorough hand washing with soap and water is essential when caring for patients with C. difficile as alcohol hand rub does not effectively kill spores.