C. difficile (C. diff): An urgent threat

Clostridioides (previously Clostridium) difficile (C. diff) is the most common cause of diarrhea among hospitalized patients and the most commonly reported bacteria causing infections in hospitals. In a 2019 report, the CDC referred to C. diff as “an urgent threat.” Who is most at risk? C. diff infection (CDI) occurs more commonly following antibiotic therapy or hospitalization, and among older adults or patients with weakened immune responses. In 2002, an epidemic strain of C. diff emerged, causing more severe disease with inflammation of the colon (colitis) and an increase in deaths. This strain adheres better to the intestine and produces more toxin, which is responsible for causing illness. Non-epidemic strains may cause less severe disease. What makes C. diff so difficult to treat? A high relapse rate poses challenges to treating people with CDI. Recurrence of diarrhea following initial treatment occurs in about 20% of cases. The risk of yet another relapse is even greater in the weeks following treatment for a recurrent CDI. C. diff produces spores (dormant cells capable of surviving harsh conditions for prolonged periods) that can contaminate the environment. Spores are hearty and resistant to routine cleaning. But enhanced protective measures — careful hand washing, isolation precautions for infected patients (private room, gown, and gloves), and cleaning with agents capable of killing C. diff spores — are effective ways to prevent transmission and control CDI...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Digestive Disorders Health Infectious diseases Prevention Source Type: blogs