Clostridium Difficile (C.diff) is a bacteria that is found in the bowel. C.diff is more common in immuno-compromised patients and/or patients currently or recently on antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics alter the body's immune system including the good bacteria normally found in the bowel. When the good bacteria in the bowel is compromised the C.diff bacteria can take over and release harmful toxins.
Symptoms of C.diff include; watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or tenderness, nausea, loss of appetite and sometimes even fever. There are only few antibiotics used and successful to treat C.diff. However, not every patient will need antibiotics for treatment. C.diff can be minor and resolve on it's own. C.diff can be serious requiring medications (antibiotics) or even surgery. Sometimes C.diff can even be fatal.
"C. diff is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitals or long-term care homes." (Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008) Public information and knowledge must be spread about this disorder.
Prevention of spreading of C.diff include frequent hand washing and/or using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer, thorough environmental cleaning and isolation of infected individual(s).
For more information: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/infectious/diseases/ic_cdiff.html
Resources:
Queen's Printer for Ontario (2008) Ontario Best Practice Manual : Clostridium difficile. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Retrieved August 28, 2008, from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/infectious/diseases/ic_cdiff.html
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