Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is present naturally in the gut of around 3% of adults and 66% of children.

If it’s a naturally present bacterium why is it a problem?

C. difficile does not cause any problems in healthy people. However, some antibiotics that are used to treat other health conditions can interfere with the balance of 'good' bacteria in the gut. When this happens, C. difficile bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms such as diarrhoea and fever. Most people with a C. difficile infection make a full recovery. However, in very rare cases the infection can be fatal.

Who is most at risk?

As C. difficile infections are usually caused by antibiotics, most cases usually happen in a healthcare environment, such as in a hospital, or a care home. Older people are most at risk from infection, with the majority of cases (80%) occurring in people over the age of 65.

How is it treated?

People only need treatment for a C. difficile infection if they have symptoms; no treatment is needed if the bacteria are present harmlessly in the gut. People who have symptoms of C. difficile will generally be taken off the antibiotics that are causing the infection. This will allow the ‘good’ bacteria to re-grow in the gut. In many cases, stopping the antibiotics is enough to ease the symptoms and clear the infection.

More severe symptoms, such as acute diarrhoea or colitis (inflammation of the lining of the small intestine) are often treated with a different antibiotic which can kill the C difficile bacteria.In rare and serious cases of C. difficile infection, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the intestines, especially if there are tears in the small intestine (perforation of the colon).

How can we help prevent it?

C. difficile bacteria can spread easily, particularly in healthcare environments. It is an extremely contagious infection. In most cases C. difficile infections can be prevented by ensuring good hygiene practices in hospitals and other healthcare environments. You can help by following the instructions below.

If you are visiting a person in a healthcare environment who has diarrhoea or a stomach upset, try to avoid taking any children under the age of 12 with you. You should also:

• wash your hands with soap and water when entering and leaving ward areas
  
• avoid healthcare environments like hospitals, clinics and surgeries if you are feeling unwell or have recently had diarrhoea yourself,
• avoid sitting on beds, and
• observe visiting hours and all visiting guidelines.

Further information

If you, your family or friends would like to know more about C.difficile please contact your ward matron, GP surgery, district nurse or community infection control nurse at your local primary care trust for further advice or information. You can also visit the NHS Direct website.