Contact Precautions
Anaerobic spore forming gram positive bacilli, box-car shaped.
Nosocomial more common than community onset diarrhea usually after taking antibiotics.
Can occur in outbreaks.
Recurrence is very common therefore previous history of C. difficile is a risk factor.
Antacids, especially proton-pump inhibitors, and chemotherapy also increase risk.
Wide range of symptoms possible.
Probiotics may be helpful.
In refractory cases, stool transplants have been effective.
Classification from Clostridium to Clostridioides changed in 2016.