Clostridium difficile - Information for Patients
What kind of infection is it?
Often called "C. diff", Clostridium difficile is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and intestinal inflammation when it overwhelms the normal bacteria in the intestines.
How do people get infected?
- C. diff is different from many other infections in that it usually requires two steps to cause illness. First, one has to get the bacteria into the intestine but that alone does not usually cause symptoms. C. diff usually gets into the intestines from exposure in hospitals or other healthcare settings but some people acquire the bacteria in the community.
- People can carry the bacteria in their intestines without symptoms. Many healthy babies younger than 2 years of age carry C. diff but it rarely makes them sick.
- Illness usually only develops when a person then takes antibiotics. The antibiotics destroy most of the other bacteria that normally live in the intestines and C. diff takes over, causing illness.
- Children younger than 5 years old may test positive for C. diff without having any illness, especially very young children. Children younger than 2 years old often test positive for C. diff but it is unlikely to be the cause of illness in this age group.
What are the usual symptoms?
- Diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, and occassionally fever.
- Diarrhea can be bloody.
How long does it last?
- Typically 5-7 days.
How is it treated?
- Prevent dehydration by drinking fluids. Children with mild disease often recover after stopping antibiotics without any other treatment. Warning signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness.
- Depending on the severity of symptoms and age, your doctor may prescribe specific antibiotics to treat the C. diff.
- Other treatments are used if C. diff recurs.
- Children younger than 1 who test positive for C. diff generally should not be treated since it is not likely to be the cause of their diarrhea.
Are there possible complications?
- Diarrhea can become very severe or bloody.
- C. diff can recur after treatment, especially after antibiotic use.
- Rarely, severe damage to the intestines can occur requiring emergency surgery.
Comments:
- Wash hands with soap and water when caring for someone with C. diff
- Since C. diff is a complication of taking antibiotics, only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor and only when they are clearly necessary.
- If diarrhea recurs after treatment for C. diff, contact your doctor.