Question 1

why are clostridium difficile infections hard to treat?

Accepted Answer

It produces spores: Partly it is the persons immune system and general health that makes it recur more often.  The main problem is it comes back after treatment.  Clostridium produces endospores.  Endospore is is a tough structure in which the bacteria is dormant and not reproducing.  Antibiotics don't affect the spores so after the symptoms are gone, the spores activate and  then cause reinfection.

Question 2

what are the tests for clostridium difficile infection?

Accepted Answer

C. diff: Both the bacterial toxin and the gene coding for the toxin can be found in the diarrheal stool.  Additionally, the diarrhea has a peculiar mousy/musty aroma.

Question 3

what are the tests for clostridium difficile infections?

Accepted Answer

Stool test: The most commonly used tests for c diff are two different stool tests.  One test looks for the unique toxin which c diff produces that causes the diarrhea. The other test searches for the gene (dna) that is specific to c diff and encodes the information to produce the toxin.

Question 4

what is  clostridium difficile infection rate of spread?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on how sick the initial patient is, how sick the exposed patients are, and how aware of infection control the care providers are.  In wards where it is allowed to run wild, it can spread throughout the entire ward in a matter of days.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of clostridium difficile infection?

Accepted Answer

Fever diarrhea: C. Difficile is a common bacteria that causes problems when the norm/friendly gut bacteria is weakened or gone due to antibiotics usually. Symptoms are abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, often with blood present. It can be a serious and even deadly infection, so please get checked if you have these symptoms.

Question 6

what sort of disease is a clostridium difficile infection?

Accepted Answer

Colon infection: Clostridium difficile infection is a growing epidemic where the colon is infected by a bacteria called, you guessed it, clostridium difficile. Although some people may be asymptomatic, it usually causes diarrhea and can lead to a life-threatening condition called megacolon. Treatment of late has become more and more complicated due to antibiotic resistance. Seek an md if you have this.

Question 7

what is a clostridium difficile infection and how does it occur?

Accepted Answer

Abx complication: An infection resulting from antibiotic use that can cause diarrhea and other colonic problems. It requires treatment with either Metronidazole or oral vancomycin.

Question 8

what is the incidence of clostridium difficile infection in the us?

Accepted Answer

C.Diff: Approximately 20% of individuals who are hospitalized acquire c difficile during hospitalization, and more than 30% of these patients develop diarrhea. Thus, c difficile colitis is currently one of the most common nosocomial infections.

Question 9

can i get immunity after i suffer from a clostridium difficile infection?

Accepted Answer

Not really: No - c. Diff is a bacteria, that everyone has in their gut all the time.  Normally, it staysin balance with other bacteria and doesnt cause problems.  However, sometimes it takes advantage and overgrows and acts up - like after antibiotics.  We dont really develop immunity to it, just get back into appropriately balance so that it doesnt act up again.

Question 10

what is the likelihood of a relapse with clostridium difficile infections?

Accepted Answer

Common: There is a small percentage of c. Dificile infections that recur so it does happen.  However with newer treatments it happens less.  You may want to look into sarcomyces boullardi[(forgive me if mispelled) or florastor which for a long time was used in europe to treat c. Dif infections...With huge success.  Check out your local healthfood store; or ask your doctor for more info.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Clostridium difficile infection

A member asked:

Why are clostridium difficile infections hard to treat?

A member asked:

What are the tests for clostridium difficile infection?

A member asked:

What are the tests for clostridium difficile infections?

A member asked:

What is clostridium difficile infection rate of spread?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of clostridium difficile infection?

A member asked:

What sort of disease is a clostridium difficile infection?

A member asked:

What is a clostridium difficile infection and how does it occur?

A member asked:

What is the incidence of clostridium difficile infection in the us?

A member asked:

Can i get immunity after i suffer from a clostridium difficile infection?

A member asked:

What is the likelihood of a relapse with clostridium difficile infections?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?