Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile or C. diff causes almost 30,000 deaths yearly in the U.S. It is one of the most common health care-associated infections worldwide. C. diff can develop 5 to 10 days after taking various antibiotic, and the biggest culprits are amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and clindamycin.
The resulting swelling and inflammation of the colon (colitis) is due to a disruption of the intestinal bacteria (flora) which allows C. diff to overgrow. Antibiotic resistant strains also further complicate treatment.
If you or your hospital patients have suspected or confirmed C. diff colitis, they should be placed on contact precautions until the resolution of their diarrhea. Diagnosis can be made clinically with 3 or more loose stools in 24 hours, but lab PCR stool sample testing for toxins or toxigenic strains of C. diff are more conclusive.
Symptoms of C. diff Colitis:
- Watery, loose stools three or more times per day
- Abdominal cramping or tenderness to palpation
- In severe cases:
- Watery diarrhea 10+ times per day
- Severe abdominal cramping and pain
- Dehydration
- Tachycardia (fast heartrate)
- Nausea
- Leukocytosis (high white blood cell count)
- Loss of appetite
- Blood or mucus in stools
Recurrence after treatment is commonly seen. Depending on you or your patient’s severity of symptoms, a repeat antibiotic course can be tried versus a stronger antibiotic. Our ID specialists have extensive training and experience in treating difficult cases of C. diff colitis.
If you would like to learn more about how IDS specialists can help you or your hospital facility with difficult or recurrent C. diff infections, request an appointment today online or call (833) 967-2464.
