C. difficile Infection (CDI)
Clostridioides difficile

Clostridioides difficile

Susceptibilities

General Information

Anaerobic spore forming Gram positive bacillus, 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
  • Can be colonization

Wide range of symptoms possible

  • Profuse, watery diarrhea, cramps, +/- fever
  • Pseudomembranous colitis or toxic megacolon

Formerly "Clostridium."

In refractory cases, stool transplants have been effective.