Pathogens
Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile

Precautions

Contact Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Anaerobic spore forming Gram positive bacilli, box-car shaped

Nosocomial more common than community onset diarrhea, usually after taking antibiotics.

Can occur in outbreaks.

Recurrence is very common, therefore previous history of C. difficile is a risk factor.

Antacids, especially proton-pump inhibitors, and chemotherapy also increase risk.

  • Profuse, watery diarrhea
  • Pseudomembranous colitis or toxic megacolon

Fecal microbiota transplantation is effective and safe however this is not currently performed in Newfoundland and Labrador.