Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (klo-STRID-ee-um dif-uh-SEEL, abbreviated as CDAD) is a type of diarrhea that is associated with the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).

Pronunciation

The term Clostridium difficile is pronounced as klo-STRID-ee-um dif-uh-SEEL. The term associated diarrhea is pronounced as uh-SOH-shee-ay-ted dahy-uh-REE-uh.

Etymology

The term Clostridium difficile is derived from the Greek word kloster which means spindle, referring to the shape of the bacterium, and the Latin word difficile which means difficult. The term associated diarrhea refers to the diarrhea that is associated with the bacterium.

Related Terms

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: A type of diarrhea that occurs in response to the intake of antibiotics.
• Pseudomembranous colitis: A severe inflammation of the colon that is often associated with C. difficile infection.
• Toxin: A harmful substance produced by certain types of bacteria, including C. difficile.
• Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for health, especially the digestive system. They are sometimes used to prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

Overview

C. difficile-associated diarrhea is a serious condition that occurs when the bacterium C. difficile produces toxins that damage the lining of the colon. This condition is most commonly associated with recent antibiotic use, which can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and allow C. difficile to multiply.

Symptoms

Symptoms of C. difficile-associated diarrhea may include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis and toxic megacolon.

Treatment

Treatment for C. difficile-associated diarrhea typically involves stopping the antibiotic that caused the condition, if possible, and starting a course of antibiotics that are effective against C. difficile. In some cases, a fecal microbiota transplant may be recommended.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for C. difficile-associated diarrhea include careful use of antibiotics, good hand hygiene, and cleaning of surfaces in healthcare settings.

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