Pathogens
Clostridioides difficile

Clostridioides difficile

Precautions

Contact Precautions + Rescue Wipes

Susceptibilities

General Information

Obligate anaerobic spore-forming large gram positive bacilli ("box-car shaped").

Naturally found in the environment (soil, feces, sewage, marine sediments). Survives on inanimate objects for months due to its spore formation. Can colonize the gastrointestinal tract of 4% of health indivuals and 20% of hospitalized individuals.

Global distribution. Transmission via fecal-oral routine and contact with spores from contaminated surfaces. High burden of spores in healthcare settings, and increasing incidence associated with antimicrobial use.

Community-acquired or nosocomial infections including:

  • C. difficile colitis
  • Pseudomembranous colitis or toxic megacolon