clostridioides difficile infection
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, which can produce toxins that lead to diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It commonly occurs after antibiotic use.
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), formerly known as Clostridium difficile infection, is a bacterial infection affecting the large intestine (colon). It occurs when C. difficile bacteria multiply and produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining, causing inflammation known as colitis. CDI most often develops after the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and allow C. difficile to grow. Symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe illness and may include frequent watery stools, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Severe cases can lead to complications such as pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, or life-threatening infection. Risk factors include recent antibiotic use, hospitalization, older age, weakened immune system, and certain medical conditions. Treatment may involve stopping the triggering antibiotic when possible and using specific medications that target C. difficile, along with supportive care.
Clostridioides difficile infection is a bacterial infection of the intestine that often happens after taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can remove helpful gut bacteria, allowing C. difficile to grow and release toxins that cause diarrhea and inflammation.
• Also called C. difficile infection or CDI • Caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Clostridioides difficile • Previously known as Clostridium difficile infection • Mainly affects the large intestine (colon) • Often occurs after antibiotic use disrupts normal gut bacteria • Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and dehydration • Severe cases may cause colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, or serious complications • Risk factors include recent antibiotics, hospitalization, older age, and weakened immune system • Diagnosis usually involves stool testing for C. difficile toxins or bacteria • Treatment may include targeted antibiotics and restoring healthy intestinal balance
C. diff is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis. You may see it called other names, such as Clostridioides difficile (the new name), Clostridium difficile (an older name), and C. difficile. It causes close to half a million illnesses each year.
What causes C. diff infections?C. diff bacteria are commonly found in the environment, but people usually only get C. diff infections when they are taking antibiotics. That's because antibiotics not only wipe out bad germs, but they also kill the good germs that protect your body against infections. The effect of antibiotics can last as long as several months. If you come in contact with C. diff germs during this time, you can get sick. You are more likely to get a C. diff infection if you take antibiotics for more than a week.
C. diff spreads when people touch food, surfaces, or objects that are contaminated with feces (poop) from a person who has C. diff.
Who is more likely to get a C. diff infection?You are at more likely to get a C. diff infection if you:
- Are taking antibiotics
- Are 65 or older
- Recently stayed in a hospital or nursing home
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have had a previous infection with C. diff or were exposed to it
The symptoms of C. diff infections include:
- Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) or frequent bowel movements for several days
- Fever
- Stomach tenderness or pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Severe diarrhea causes you to lose a lot of fluids. This can put you at risk for dehydration.
How are C. diff infections diagnosed?If you have been taking antibiotics recently and have symptoms of a C. diff infection, you should see your health care provider. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a lab test of your stool. In some cases, you might also need an imaging test such as an x-ray or CT scan to check for complications.
What are the treatments for C. diff infections?Certain antibiotics can treat C. diff infections. If you were already taking a different antibiotic when you got C. diff, your provider may ask you to stop taking that one.
If you have a severe case, you may need to stay in the hospital. If you have very severe pain or serious complications, you may need surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon.
About 1 in 6 people who have had a C. diff infection will get it again within the following 2 to 8 weeks. This is called recurrent C. diff. It could be that your original infection came back or that you have a new infection. Contact your provider if your symptoms come back.
For people who keep getting C. diff infections, treatments such as fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have shown promising results. FMT uses stool (or bacteria from stool) from a healthy donor to try to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your intestines.
Can C. diff infections be prevented?There are steps you can take to try to prevent getting or spreading C. diff:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom and before you eat.
- If you have diarrhea, clean the bathroom that you used before anyone else uses it. Use bleach mixed with water or another disinfectant to clean the toilet seat, handle, and lid.
Health care providers can also help prevent C. diff infections by taking infection control precautions and improving how they prescribe antibiotics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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