Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacteria or germ that is present in the bowel of approximately 3% to 15% of the population. It is nearly always associated with and can be triggered by the use of antibiotics. These can be antibiotics taken up to 6-8 weeks prior to any symptoms starting. The antibiotics destroy the normal bacteria of the bowel and once in the bowel the Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) bacterium multiplies and causes diarrhoea.
What are the symptoms of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)?
- • Abdominal pain – mild to severe
- • Watery, offensive smelling diarrhoea which can be frequent with urgency
- • High temperature
If you are in hospital and suddenly develop unexplained diarrhoea a specimen will be collected and sent for examination in the laboratory. If the toxin related to Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is found in the faeces sample, it means that you have the infection. Once the diagnosis has been made the nurse or doctor will inform you.
What is the treatment?
Upon diagnosis your doctor will review your medication and make any necessary changes. Usually this involves stopping the antibiotics you may already be taking and prescribing a course of Metronidazole a different antibiotic to treat the Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection.
This course is usually for 10 days. Once your symptoms have settled down there is a small risk of a relapse. If your symptoms do not settle or the diarrhoea re-occurs then your doctors will review your medication and may alter the antibiotic from Metronidazole to Vancomycin.
Most cases settle within 1–2 weeks. If you are well enough to be discharged during this time it will not prevent this from happening, as long as your Doctors are happy with your medical condition. Once home the infection will not affect your family, children or friends. Usual personal hygiene, laundering and household cleaning are all sufficient. As stated a small percentage of patients can have a relapse – if you develop diarrhoea that persists for longer than 48 hours – contact your GP. It may be necessary to provide a further specimen.
What can be done about preventing the spread of infection in hospital?
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) can be spread from person to person on contaminated hands and equipment such as toilets and commodes. It will be necessary for you to be nursed in a single room to prevent further spread to other patients who may be more susceptible to infections. Good hand hygiene following the use of the toilet/commode is essential in preventing the spread of this infection. All staff caring for you during this illness will wear protective clothing; disposable gloves and aprons when assisting you with your personal hygiene. This is to prevent the spread of infection to other people. It is important that all members of staff wash their hands after attending to you.
Visitors will be asked to wear gloves and aprons and wash their hands on entering and leaving the area where you are being nursed. Please do not allow visitors to sit or lie on your bed.
What can you do?
Ensure you wash your hands after every visit to the toilet/commode and before eating. Maintain a healthy diet if you are able to. Some patients enquire about the use of probiotic drinks, at present there is only a limited amount of research to confirm whether their use is of benefit or not.
