Clostridioides difficile: Difference between revisions
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'''Clostridioides difficile''' ('''C. difficile''', formerly known as ''Clostridium difficile'') is a [[Gram-positive bacteria|Gram-positive]], [[spore]]-forming, [[anaerobic bacteria]] that can cause severe [[infection]]s in the human [[gastrointestinal system]]. C. difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated [[diarrhea]] and can lead to life-threatening [[colitis]] in severe cases. | '''Clostridioides difficile''' ('''C. difficile''', formerly known as ''Clostridium difficile'') is a [[Gram-positive bacteria|Gram-positive]], [[spore]]-forming, [[anaerobic bacteria]] that can cause severe [[infection]]s in the human [[gastrointestinal system]]. C. difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated [[diarrhea]] and can lead to life-threatening [[colitis]] in severe cases. | ||
[[File:23247 lores.jpg|thumb|23247 lores]][[File:Pseudomembranoese Colitis Endo1.jpg|thumb|Pseudomembranoese Colitis Endo1]] | [[File:23247 lores.jpg|thumb|23247 lores]][[File:Pseudomembranoese Colitis Endo1.jpg|thumb|Pseudomembranoese Colitis Endo1]] | ||
== Epidemiology == | == Epidemiology == | ||
C. difficile infections (CDIs) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in healthcare settings such as [[hospital]]s and [[long-term care facility|long-term care facilities]]. The incidence of CDI has increased over the past few decades, with elderly patients and those with compromised immune systems being at the highest risk. | C. difficile infections (CDIs) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in healthcare settings such as [[hospital]]s and [[long-term care facility|long-term care facilities]]. The incidence of CDI has increased over the past few decades, with elderly patients and those with compromised immune systems being at the highest risk. | ||
== Pathogenesis == | == Pathogenesis == | ||
C. difficile produces two primary toxins, toxin A and toxin B, which cause inflammation and damage to the [[intestinal mucosa]]. The bacteria can form spores that are resistant to environmental conditions and are easily transmitted between individuals. CDI typically occurs when the normal [[gut flora]] is disrupted, often due to [[antibiotic]] use, which allows C. difficile to proliferate and produce toxins. | C. difficile produces two primary toxins, toxin A and toxin B, which cause inflammation and damage to the [[intestinal mucosa]]. The bacteria can form spores that are resistant to environmental conditions and are easily transmitted between individuals. CDI typically occurs when the normal [[gut flora]] is disrupted, often due to [[antibiotic]] use, which allows C. difficile to proliferate and produce toxins. | ||
== Clinical manifestations == | == Clinical manifestations == | ||
Symptoms of CDI can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, [[toxic megacolon]], and even death. Common symptoms include: | Symptoms of CDI can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, [[toxic megacolon]], and even death. Common symptoms include: | ||
Watery diarrhea (occurring at least three times per day for two or more days) | * Watery diarrhea (occurring at least three times per day for two or more days) | ||
Abdominal pain or cramping | * Abdominal pain or cramping | ||
Fever | * Fever | ||
Loss of appetite | * Loss of appetite | ||
Nausea | * Nausea | ||
Dehydration | * Dehydration | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of CDI typically involves stool testing for the presence of C. difficile toxins or the bacteria itself. Additional tests may include [[endoscopy]] or [[imaging]] studies, such as abdominal [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans, to assess the severity of the infection and potential complications. | Diagnosis of CDI typically involves stool testing for the presence of C. difficile toxins or the bacteria itself. Additional tests may include [[endoscopy]] or [[imaging]] studies, such as abdominal [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans, to assess the severity of the infection and potential complications. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The primary treatment for CDI includes the discontinuation of the inciting antibiotic (if possible) and the initiation of a targeted antibiotic regimen, such as [[metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], or [[fidaxomicin]]. | The primary treatment for CDI includes the discontinuation of the inciting antibiotic (if possible) and the initiation of a targeted antibiotic regimen, such as [[metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], or [[fidaxomicin]]. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Antibiotic-associated diarrhea]] | |||
[[Antibiotic-associated diarrhea]] | * [[Infection control]] | ||
[[Infection control]] | * [[Probiotics]] | ||
[[Probiotics]] | * [[Pseudomembranous colitis]] | ||
[[Pseudomembranous colitis]] | |||
[[Category:Bacteria]] | [[Category:Bacteria]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]{{stub}} | [[Category:Infectious diseases]]{{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:20, 1 April 2025
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacteria that can cause severe infections in the human gastrointestinal system. C. difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and can lead to life-threatening colitis in severe cases.
Epidemiology[edit]
C. difficile infections (CDIs) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. The incidence of CDI has increased over the past few decades, with elderly patients and those with compromised immune systems being at the highest risk.
Pathogenesis[edit]
C. difficile produces two primary toxins, toxin A and toxin B, which cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa. The bacteria can form spores that are resistant to environmental conditions and are easily transmitted between individuals. CDI typically occurs when the normal gut flora is disrupted, often due to antibiotic use, which allows C. difficile to proliferate and produce toxins.
Clinical manifestations[edit]
Symptoms of CDI can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, toxic megacolon, and even death. Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea (occurring at least three times per day for two or more days)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dehydration
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of CDI typically involves stool testing for the presence of C. difficile toxins or the bacteria itself. Additional tests may include endoscopy or imaging studies, such as abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess the severity of the infection and potential complications.
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for CDI includes the discontinuation of the inciting antibiotic (if possible) and the initiation of a targeted antibiotic regimen, such as metronidazole, vancomycin, or fidaxomicin.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing the spread of C. difficile involves implementing strict infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, contact precautions, and environmental cleaning. In addition, judicious use of antibiotics is crucial in reducing the risk of CDI.<ref>
Prevention of C. difficile(link). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Accessed 2023-05-05.
</ref>
See also[edit]
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