Pathogens
Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile

Precautions

Contact/Spore Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

  • Metronidazole
  • Fidaxomicin

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 although 15% are asymptomatic.

  • Profuse, watery diarrhea
  • Pseudomembranous colitis or toxic megacolon
  • Normal colonizer in infants
  • Probiotics may be helpful
  • Discontinue concomitant antibiotics whenever possible
  • Do not test patients receiving concomitant laxatives
  • Patient must remain in contact/spore precautions for the duration of their hospitalization
  • In refractory cases, stool transplants have been effective