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

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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