Clostridioides Difficile

This leaflet has been written to provide information about an infection caused by bacteria often present in many people’s bowels (Clostridioides difficile previously known as Clostridium difficile). We hope it answers some of the questions or concerns you may have. It is not intended to replace talking with medical or nursing staff.
 

What is Clostridioides difficile?

C.  difficile is a bacteria that is present in the bowel of a number of people. People can carry these bacteria in their bowel for long periods of time without any symptoms. Sometimes C. difficile can cause an infection. This is nearly always associated with the use of antibiotics. Taking antibiotics can alter the normal presence of bacteria in the bowel and lead to an “overgrowth” of the C. difficile. An infection is also more likely to occur if a person has an immune system that is not working properly or has undergone gastrointestinal surgery.

What are the symptoms of Clostridioides difficile infection?

The symptoms may include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, feeling sick, high temperature or abdominal pain. Symptoms usually only last a few days but can occasionally last a few weeks. In a small amount of people, a relapse can occur, where the diarrhoea stops for a while but then starts again.

How is it diagnosed?

A sample of faeces is sent to the laboratory and tested for the bacteria.
 

What are the treatment options for Clostridioides difficile infection?

Treatment includes making sure you replace the fluid lost because of the diarrhoea. This would normally mean making sure you are drinking enough. Sometimes stopping the antibiotics is enough to result in an improvement. In other cases, it may be necessary to treat the infection with a course of antibiotics which is active against the C.difficile bacteria. Your doctor will review your medication and discuss treatment options with you.
 

Are there any risks involved?

If treatment is required, an antibiotic effective against the bacteria will be prescribed. As with any medication there may be some side effects, although the antibiotics used are usually well tolerated by the majority of people.

Is Clostridioides difficile contagious?

C. difficile can be spread from person to person by contaminated hands and equipment such as toilets and commodes.
 

How does the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital control the spread of Clostridioides difficile?

It may be necessary to move you to a single room on the ward where you will have your own toilet or commode to stop the spread of infection. Staff will wear protective clothing, such as gloves and aprons, when they are assisting you with personal hygiene. High standards of hospital cleanliness are maintained by our domestic staff.

Good hand hygiene by staff, patients and visitors is very important in stopping infection. With C.  difficile it is important to wash hands rather than just using the alcohol gel.

You should always wash your hands:

• After using the toilet

• Before eating or preparing food

• When your hands appear dirty

Visitors are advised to wash their hands before they leave the hospital.
 

Going Home

A C. difficile positive result will not stop you going home if you are well enough. If you have been started on antibiotic treatment the course can be finished at home. You should carry on as normal, maintaining good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet or preparing food. C. difficile can be removed from surfaces using household disinfectants and disposable cloths. Clothes, bedding and linen can be washed as normal using your usual detergent product at the hottest temperature recommended for the fabric.

If you have any concerns or if any of your symptoms get worse or reoccur you should contact your GP for advice.

Telling others

If you attend another hospital / health care provider, please inform them that you have had a C. difficile infection.

Clostridioides Difficile 

If you have any concerns or require further information regarding Clostridioides Difficile or any other infection, please call the Infection Prevention and Control Team on:

0151 600 1326 or 0151 600 1057

The UK Health security Agency website is another source of information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency