Clostridium Difficile Infection (C. difficile or C. diff) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, causing colitis by producing toxins that damage the lining of the colon. It is found in feces and is most often spread when healthcare workers have touched a contaminated surface with their hands and then a patient. This puts older adults with longer term medical care, often in a hospital, who are on antibiotics at the greatest risk. People can also become directly infected if they touch items or surfaces that are contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes.

Signs & Symptoms of C. difficile

• Watery diarrhea (at least three bowel movements per day for two or more days)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain/tenderness

Causes of C. difficile

• Most often transferred via the hands of healthcare personnel who have touch a surface or item contaminated with fecal particles.
• Prolonged use of anitbiotics

Diagnosis of C. difficile

• Stool test

Treatment of C. difficile

• Fecal transplant from a healthy person
• Antibiotics

You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating C. difficile, contact us now.