C. Difficile
Clostridioides difficile
see · dif · ih · SEEL
A bacterium that infects the bowel. It can cause anything from mild diarrhea to severe, life-threatening illness, and it forms hardy spores that survive on surfaces for a long time.
What is C. difficile?
Clostridioides difficile, often shortened to C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that can cause an infection in the bowel (colon). The illness can be mild, or it can become severe and life-threatening.
Symptoms to watch for
- Watery diarrhea, often 3 or more loose stools in 24 hours
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Nausea, fatigue, or loss of appetite
Who is at risk?
- Taking or recently took antibiotics
- Older adults, especially 65 and over
- People in hospital or long-term care
- A weakened immune system or other illnesses
How does it spread?
It spreads through spores that survive on surfaces for long periods, by:
- Unwashed hands
- Contact with contaminated surfaces such as bed rails, toilets, and wheelchairs
- Touching objects or environments where the bacteria are present
Hand hygiene stops the spread
Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water:
- After using the washroom
- Before eating
- When entering and leaving the room
Why precautions are necessary
The bacteria are easily spread by contact, especially through hands. Staff and visitors can carry the organism to others without knowing, and spores can survive on surfaces and equipment if they are not properly cleaned.
Contact precautions may include
- Staying in a private room when one is available
- Wearing gloves and gowns for care activities
- Limiting movement outside the room
- Enhanced cleaning of rooms and equipment using special products that are effective against C. difficile spores
For patients
- You may be asked to stay in your room until symptoms improve
- If you leave for tests or procedures, clean your hands carefully
- Follow your care team's instructions on hygiene and precautions
For visitors
Visitors are welcome, but please:
- Clean your hands before and after visiting
- Follow posted precautions, including PPE if required
- Avoid visiting if you are unwell
- Do not use the patient's washroom
Cleaning matters
- High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently
- Approved disinfectants such as sporicidal products or bleach are required
- Equipment is cleaned and disinfected between uses
Common high-touch surfaces:
Treatment & recovery
- Treated with specific antibiotics
- Symptoms often improve with treatment
- The infection can return, so recurrence is possible
- Precautions are stopped when it is safe, based on symptoms and clinical assessment
Preventing C. difficile
- Practise good hand hygiene
- Use antibiotics only when necessary
- Follow infection prevention measures in healthcare settings
Caring for yourself at home
Bathrooms
Clean with a bleach solution of ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Pay special attention to areas that may be soiled with stool, such as the toilet and sink. If you see stool, remove it first, then clean the surface well.
Laundry
Wash heavily soiled laundry separately in hot water with detergent. Remove stool first, run a hot water cycle with soap, and dry items in the dryer when possible.
Dishes
Clean dishes in the dishwasher, or by hand with soap and water.
Everyone at home
Make sure all household members keep up good hand hygiene with soap and water.