Clostridioides difficile(formerly known asClostridium difficile) infection, often calledC.
diff, is a bacterial infection in the gut.
diffinfections are associated with recently taking antibiotics for an infection or other issues.
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diffinfection progresses and becomes more complicated, it can develop intocolitis, a generalized inflammation of the gut.
Colitis is a more severe form ofC.
diffinfection and requires intensive therapy and often a hospital stay.Another more severe form ofC.
diffcolitis is a disorder known as toxic megacolon, a condition associated with severe systemic illness and toxicity.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment forC.
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What Causes It?
C. diffinfection is because of a bacteria known as Clostridioides difficile(C. difficile).
It is a bacteria that lives in the human gut.
diffthrough contact with another person who hasC.
diffor by touching an environmental surface, like a handrail or a toilet seat,contaminated withC.
Note that hand sanitizer does not killC.
diff; you must wash your hands with soap and water.
C. diffis easily transmitted, particularly in health care environments like:
How Does C. diff Spread?
C. diffis a very infectious bacteria known to spread quite easily.
In health care configs, whereC.
For this reason, people withC.
diffare often restricted to specific rooms in a hospital or health care setting during an active infection.
In addition, family members and healthcare workers who come into contact with a person withC.
diffneed to take extra precautionsto limit the spread, including washing hands frequently and donning contact isolation safety gear.
Risk Factors for C. diff Infection
The biggest risk factor forC.
diffinfection is recent antibiotic usage.
Since antibiotics target bacteria in the body, they can disrupt the natural microbiome of the gut.
This can lead to the development ofC.
In addition, prior infection withC.
diffcan also increase the likelihood of developing a future infection.
Risk factors include:
C. diffSymptoms
AC.
diffinfection can be very uncomfortable.
Most people will report ongoing diarrhea and discomfort in the belly.
The most common symptoms are:
AsC.
diffinfection becomes more severe, the nature and intensity of these symptoms can also increase.
This is considered the development of a more complicated form ofC.
With colitis, the intestines become inflamed and irritated.
Toxic megacolon is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment.
C. diffDiagnosis
There are several ways to diagnose aC.
diffinfection using diagnostic tests of the blood and stool.
Some diagnostic tests attempt to look at the specific levels ofC.
diffin the stool.This is known as anucleic amplification test.
Other diagnostic tests rely on the detection of a toxin that is produced byC.
diffand the complications ofC.
diff,such as colitis.
Finally, direct inspection of the colon using a camera during acolonoscopyprocedure can also identify aC.
diffinfection, though this is usually only used in severe cases.
C. diffTreatments
There are many treatment options available forC.
Selecting the best treatment is based on evaluating the severity of infection and number ofC.
Oral Antibiotics
The treatment ofC.
diffinfection is aimed primarily at eliminating theC.
Specifically, the oral antibiotic vancomycin is the most commonly used treatment forC.
Alternatively, treatment with the antibiotics metronidazole and fidaxomicin are also commonly used for infection withC.
diffbacteria reside in the colon, this is the area where the antibiotic most needs to work.
Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics
Intravenous antibiotics are administered through an IV directly into the bloodstream.
diffinfection is severe, IV metronidazole may be used for treatment.
Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Repeated infections withC.
diffmay result in the development of antibiotic resistance.
diffbacteria can no longer be treated effectively with antibiotics such as vancomycin and fidaxomicin.
In cases of ongoing and repeated infections withC.
Although fecal microbiota transplants are relatively new, they have shown efficacy in treating frequent C.diffinfections and severeC.
diffinfections that do not respond to antibiotics.
Rebyota and Vowst are approved for the prevention of the recurrence ofC.
diffinfections in adults who have completed antibiotic treatment for recurrentC.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery forC.
diffmay be necessary, though it is reserved for cases of severe infection.
The surgery involves removing the infected parts of the bowel.
Natural Remedies forC.
diff
Since antibiotics can potentially disrupt the microbial population in the body, alternative treatments forC.
diffinfection have been explored.
Importantly, none of these natural remedies have been shown to be as effective as antibiotics at treatingC.
C. diff Diet
Some people withC.
While medical research has not yet identified the best diet forC.
diff, there are many diets that do help with digestive issues.
Some diets, such as thelow-FODMAPdiet, help with diarrhea andirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Different studies have evaluated the benefits of probiotics among those withC.
diffinfection and show mixed effects.Some evidence suggests probiotics may help, especiallywhen administered alongside antibioticsto treatC.
diffwhile other studies show no significant benefit from probiotics.
diffbacteria in laboratory cultures.
The experiments showed that thymoquinone may have an impact onC.
diffbacteria and limit their ability to grow.
However, no studies have evaluated the usage of black seed oil in people or people withC.
diff,so its safety and potential effects remain unknown.
At this time, black seed oil is not a medically recommended treatment forC.
Myrrh Water Extract
In experiments, myrrh water extract was shown to limit the growth ofC.
diffbacteria in laboratory studies.
The experiments found that myrrh water extract may have an impact onC.
diffbacteria and limit their ability to grow.
However, no studies have evaluated the usage of myrrh water extract in people, or people withC.
diff, so its effects remain unknown.
At this time, myrrh water extract is not a medically approved treatment forC.
Complications ofC.
diff
The most serious complications ofC.
Toxic megacolon is a medical emergency that comes up whenever the intestines become obstructed.
Toxic megacolon is a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires prompt treatment.
Can You PreventC.
The best way to preventC.
diffis properly washing your hands and practicing good hygiene, especially before eating.
In addition, work with your healthcare provider to check that you are not taking any unnecessary medications.
Signs That C. diff Is Coming Back
You may noticeC.
diffinfection has come back if you notice increased watery or runny bowel movements,abdominal cramping, or indigestion.
diff,such as vomiting, nausea, or fever, may be signs of a recurrence ofC.
How to Prevent C. diff From Recurring
C. diffrecurrence is difficult to predict or anticipate.
Some diets may also help prevent symptoms from recurring.
Outlook WithC.
diff
C. diffis a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and cramping.
It is treatable with antibiotics and rest.
If you have aC.
diffinfection, it may take several days or even weeks to feel normal.
Summary
Clostridioides difficile, orC.
diff, is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea and upset stomach.
The best treatment forC.
diffis antibiotics that you’ve got the option to get from your healthcare provider.
You should seek medical care if you develop severe symptoms fromC.
diff, including fever or low blood pressure.
Natural remedies, including probiotics, have been explored as an additional treatment forC.
diff, but they are not a replacement for antibiotics.
A Word From Verywell
AC.
diffinfection can be uncomfortable and frankly distressing.
Know that there are treatments available forC.
diffinfection and that, in time, this will pass.
If you have had aC.
diffinfection in the past, there are treatment options to help reduce your risk of a recurrence.
Consult with your healthcare provider about the best options available to you.
diffcan sometimes progress in severity and become a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment and evaluation.
If you suspect you haveC.
diff,then seek medical care.
This is called colonization which describes thatC.
diffis now a part of the normal microbial population in your gut.
However, this does not mean that you will have symptoms all the time.
Adequate treatment can sort out the illness associated with aC.
diffinfection and some people may never experience symptoms again.
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