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C. difficile
Clostridium difficile (also C. difficile or C. diff) is a common bacterium that is found in the environment and occurs naturally in some people. Although people usually associate it with healthcare facilities, it actually doesn't originate from hospitals. However, the bacterium is more frequent in the stool of some hospitalized adults who do not have diarrhea or inflammation of the bowel.
When C. difficile damages the bowel and causes diarrhea, it is known as Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). CDI sometimes occurs when antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics work by killing off bacteria – both “bad” and “good” bacteria. When “good” bacteria are killed, C.difficile can grow and release toxins that can damage the bowel and may cause diarrhea. CDI is usually mild but can be severe. In severe cases, surgery may be needed, and in extreme cases C. difficile may cause death. C. difficile is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitals and/or long-term care homes.
CDI can spread when individuals come into contact with objects contaminated with the C. difficile bacteria such as toilets or bedpans used by a patient with the disease. Proper and frequent hand hygiene and thorough room cleaning are two ways to minimize the risk of spread. It is common practice to isolate any patient who is suspected of having CDI, into a single room with a private bathroom to prevent spread of infection.
Read more facts about C. difficile and find out about the rates of infection in Ontario hospitals.
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