C Diff
Clostridium Difficile (C Diff) is a bacteria
which is present naturally in the gut however some antibiotics used
to treat other health conditions can interfere with the balance
causing the bacteria to multiply which in turn causes symptoms of
diarrhoea and fever.
Cases relating to hospital acquired infections
such as MRSA and C
Difficile, can arise from delays in recognising and providing
appropriate treatment for the infection.
C Diff produces spores that can live in the
environment for a long time. Any surface, piece of
equipment or furniture can harbour the spores. People
become infected by touching contaminated surfaces.
The risk of cross infection increases when
people have diarrhoea and when bathrooms and toilets are shared
because the C Diff bacteria is shed by human waste.
Failing to wash hands properly after going to
the toilet or after handling contaminated food can spread C
Diff.
C Diff symptons
Symptoms of C Diff include:
- Mild to moderate diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps and tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
In severe cases patients can suffer ulceration and bleeding from
the colon (Colitis). C Diff can be
fatal.
C Diff outbreaks can occur in hospitals Hospital
Staff should use disposable gloves and aprons when caring for
infected patients. Affected patients should be
segregated from others.
The most effective means of removing contaminated spores is to
have a system of rigorous cleaning with warm water and detergent
and good hand washing practice.
Alcohol gels should be used routinely by hospital staff between
treating patients if hands are not visibly soiled.
If hands are visibly soiled they must always be washed with
soap and water first and then an alcohol gel.
C Diff was first identified in the UK in 1999 and a second
outbreak occurred in 2002. Stoke Manderville and
the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals were investigated in
2004/2005.
The latest C Diff outbreak occurred at Maidstone District
General Hospital in October 2007.