Some people are carriers of C diff in their intestines. It is usually kept in check by other bacteria but can flare up when these bacteria are killed during a course of antibiotic treatment for another illness. This is often discovered when the C diff related illness has started and the only course of action then is treatment with drugs such as Flagyl, Vancocin or Dificid.
Many however suffer because they are in hospital and catch c difficile in cross contamination situations. As it is dispersed by fecal matter ward hygiene is vital with staff hygiene being key. Staff cannot avoid coming in contact with C diif spores – it’s in the nature of their task that they have to clean people and aid them at times of great illness. BUT the main agent of infection is often the hands. Because alcohol based gels are often not effective against c diff, hand washing with water is vital before approaching a new patient.
Ward layout is also a factor with distance beween beds mentioned in some studies as a factor in C Diff spread. Another ‘place of infection’ can be the ward toilets which must be cleaned often and especially after use by a patient with diarrhea.
General ward cleanliness is vital and hospitals will need to use specialist disinfectants as c diff spores are hardy, can survive for several months and are not killed by some popular cleaning agents alone.
C Diff Basics
What is C Diff?
What are the symptoms of C Diff?
How do I know I have C Diff?
How is C Difficile treated?
Understanding Your C Difficile Infection
How does C Diff actually make you ill
Why do some people have recurring C Diff infection
How can C diff infection be prevented
What is the C Diff ‘fecal transplant’ therapy
Is C Difficile contagious?
What is C Difficile colitis
What are C Difficile toxins
C Difficile Drugs
A guide to Flagyl (Metronidazole)
New drug – Fidaxomicin
When Flagyl fails – Vancocin
