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C.difficile infection

Diseases and Conditions C.difficile infection
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Clostridioides difficile, often referred to as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that can cause an infection in the colon, the longest part of the large intestine. The infection can range from mild symptoms such as diarrhea to life-threatening damage to the colon.

Types of C.difficile infection

There are two main types of C. difficile infections:

  1. Healthcare-associated: This type is most common in older adults who have been in hospitals or long-term care settings.
  2. Community-associated: This type can affect people of all ages and can occur in individuals who haven’t been in healthcare settings.

Causes of C.difficile infection

The primary cause of C. difficile infection is the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing C. difficile to multiply.

Risk Factors of C.difficile infection

Risk factors for C. difficile infection include:

  • Use of antibiotics
  • Age over 65
  • Recent hospitalization or stay in a long-term care facility
  • A weakened immune system

Symptoms of C.difficile infection

The symptoms of Clostridioides difficile infection are:
1. Watery Diarrhea: This is often the first symptom of a C. difficile infection. The diarrhea is usually watery and may happen frequently. In some cases, it can be severe with up to 15 or more bowel movements in a day.
2. Abdominal cramping and pain: People with a C. difficile infection often experience abdominal cramping and pain. The pain can be severe and is usually located in the lower part of the abdomen. It may be constant or it may come and go.
3. Fever: A high body temperature is a common symptom of many infections, including C. difficile. The fever may be accompanied by chills or sweating.
4. Blood in the Stool: In some cases, there may be visible blood in the stool. This can be a sign of damage to the lining of the colon.
5. Nausea and Loss of Appetite: People with a C. difficile infection often feel nauseous and may lose their appetite. This can lead to weight loss.

Preventions of C.difficile infection

Prevention strategies include:

  • Judicious use of antibiotics
  • Good hand hygiene
  • Regular cleaning of surfaces in healthcare settings

Diagnosis of C.difficile infection

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Medical history review
  • Physical examination
  • Stool tests
  • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Treatment for C.difficile infection

Treatment usually involves:

  • Stopping the antibiotic causing the problem
  • Starting a new course of antibiotics to kill the C. difficile bacteria
  • Probiotics to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut
  • In severe cases, surgery may be required

When to seek medical attention ?

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration.