Clostridioides difficile (bacteria)

Clostridioides difficile

Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. It thrives in the human intestinal tract and can cause severe infections, especially after the normal gut flora is disrupted by antibiotic use.

Characteristics

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Clostridioides difficile bacteria under a microscope.

Clostridioides difficile is known for its ability to form spores that are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, facilitating its transmission and making it a significant concern in healthcare settings. The bacterium produces toxins that can damage the lining of the intestine, leading to its most common manifestations: diarrhea and colitis.

Causes of Infection

Infection with Clostridioides difficile often occurs after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which disrupt the normal balance of gut flora. Other risk factors include:

• Prolonged hospital stays
• A weakened immune system
• Previous infections with C. difficile
• Advanced age

Clostridium_difficile_01

Symptoms

Symptoms of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can range from mild diarrhea to severe conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, and sepsis. Common symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fever
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Treatment

Treatment for CDI typically involves:

• Discontinuing the antibiotic that triggered the infection
• Starting a course of antibiotics specifically targeted at C. difficile, such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin
• In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the colon

Prevention

Preventive measures against Clostridioides difficile infection include:

• Judicious use of antibiotics
• Strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare settings, such as hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment
• Environmental cleaning and disinfection
• Probiotics, although their effectiveness is still under investigation

Epidemiology

Clostridioides difficile is recognized as a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Efforts to monitor and control the spread of C. difficile are crucial in hospital settings and long-term care facilities.

See Also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Infection control

References

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External Links

• [Placeholder for link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Clostridioides difficile]
• [Placeholder for link to a research article on Clostridioides difficile infection treatment and prevention]

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