Schedule an AppointmentWhat is Clostridium Difficile?
Clostridium difficile (also known as C. diff) is a bacterium that lives within our digestive tract. It causes diarrhea and inflammation of the colon (colitis), especially after use of broad spectrum antibiotics.
What is Clostridium Difficile?
How common is Clostridium Difficile Infection?
In the United States, it is estimated that almost half a million persons every year suffer from clostridium difficile infection. It is a serious infection and approximately 1 out of 11 persons over the age of 65 years die of a healthcare-associated C. diff infection within a month of diagnosis.
How common is Clostridium Difficile Infection?
Symptoms of Clostridium Difficile Infection
People suffering from Clostridium difficile infection typically have a history of taking antibiotics for the past few days. The common symptoms that one experience with this infection are:
- Loose, watery stools
- Fever
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea following antibiotics is common and only a few cases of diarrhea are due to Clostridium difficile infection. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Causes of Clostridium Difficile Infection
Clostridium difficile is a common bacterium, which is found throughout our environment (air, water, earth) and within our large intestine. There are billions of different bacteria present in our gut and are required for its proper function. Normally Clostridium difficile does not cause infection and does not produce symptoms.
When you take an antibiotic, the antibiotic kills bacteria within our gut. This results in altered bacterial population. Without enough healthy bacteria to keep it in check, Clostridium difficile quickly multiplies rapidly and grows out of control. It then produces toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The toxins destroy cells within the large intestine and cause watery diarrhea.
Risk Factors of Clostridium Difficile Infection
- Elderly persons (age 65 years or above)
- Recent hospitalizations
- A weakened immune system
- Previous infection with Clostridium difficile
Complications of Clostridium Difficile Infection
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure and decreased urine output
- Toxic megacolon – the colon may get greatly distended. Left untreated, your colon may rupture. A distended or ruptured colon requires emergency surgery and may be fatal
- Bowel perforation
- Death
Prevention of Clostridium Difficile Infection
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using toilet and before eating meals.
- Only taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
- Using a separate bathroom if you have diarrhea.
- Taking showers and washing with soap.
Diagnosis of Clostridium Difficile Infection
- Colonoscopy to visualize colon.
- Specialized x-rays of the abdomen
- Computed topography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of Clostridium Difficile Infection
Once Clostridium difficile is diagnosed, your doctor will advise you to stop the antibiotic you are taking and will prescribe a different antibiotic for 10 to 14 days. This antibiotic will kill Clostridium difficile.
Apart from antibiotics, your doctor will advise for increased hydration and rest. In moderate to severe cases, you will be admitted in hospital and fluids are to be given through intravenous route.
- Surgical Management of Clostridium Difficile Infection
Clostridium difficile infection is treated conservatively in most cases. Surgery is advised in case of complication such as toxic megacolon or bowel perforation. These complication can be fatal and often surgeries have to be performed urgently.
