Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
Learning about C. diff infection in the hospital
What is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?
Clostridioides difficile is often called C. difficile or C. diff. It was previously called Clostridium difficile.
C. diff is a germ (bacteria) that’s found in your surroundings, in soil, water, human or animal waste, or food. It lives in the intestine of some people. This germ can cause diarrhea and inflammation (irritation and swelling) of your intestine.
How does it spread?
C. diff is spread in hospitals by:
- unwashed hands
- touching equipment that hasn’t been cleaned
- surfaces that haven’t been cleaned
- improper handling and disposal of stool
C. diff can survive on hard surfaces like bed rails, countertops, door handles, and equipment for several months. To help stop C. diff from spreading, clean your hands (also called hand hygiene) with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. Clean surfaces as well.
C. diff is commonly found in community or healthcare settings so it’s hard to know where you may have come in contact with it.
How harmful is C. diff?
You may feel fine or have mild symptoms, but some people can get seriously ill from C. diff.
Colonization – is when the germ is found on your body but it doesn’t make you sick. Some people normally have C. diff in their body. In this case, it’s no more dangerous than any of the other germs we live with. People who are colonized with C. diff are sometimes called carriers.
Infection – is what happens when a germ makes you sick. Some people may be at more risk for infection. Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. As with any other type of infection some C. diff infections can become serious.
Those at higher risk of developing an infection include people who:
- are elderly
- have severe underlying illness
- are taking certain antibiotics
- are on cancer treatments
When to call your doctor
Some people develop loose stools during or shortly after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor or healthcare provider if you have:
- three (3) or more watery stools a day
- symptoms last more than 2 days
- a new fever
- abdominal pain or cramping
- blood in your stool
How is C. diff treated?
If you’re a carrier you may not be treated with antibiotics for C. diff.
If you’re infected with C. diff you may get an antibiotic. Before stopping an antibiotic talk to your healthcare provider.
If you're a patient with C. diff in a healthcare facility
Let the staff know you have C. diff or if you have diarrhea. A sign may be put on your door to remind people who come into your room on how to stop the spread of infection. You may be in a room with only 1 bed and a bathroom. Special cleaning of equipment and surfaces will also be done. Caregivers may wear gloves and a gown over their clothes when they come into your room.
Staff will show your family and friends how they can stop the spread of infection to themselves or others.
How to stop C. diff from spreading
- Clean your hands often with soap and water. Soap and water is the best way to clean your hands because it’s more effective in stopping the spread of germs that cause diarrhea. If there’s no soap and water available it’s important to use an alcohol-based hand rub. Clean hands are important in the hospital and at home.
- Always clean your hands:
- before preparing food, drinks, or medicine
- before eating or touching your mouth
- after using the bathroom
- after helping others with toileting
- When someone can’t wash their own hands, you can help them stop the spread of infection by helping them to clean their hands.
- Keep bathroom surfaces clean and tidy. This includes toilet seats, flush handles, taps, counter tops, and door knobs.
- Don’t share personal items like towels, clothes, bar soap, or razors.
Is it safe for people to visit me?
Yes, it’s safe for family and friends to visit you as long as they clean their hands well before and after they visit.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_clostridiumdifficle_inst_adult.
Related to Clostridioides Difficile Infection
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: Aug 10, 2022
Author: Infection Prevention and Control, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
