Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) is one of the many types of germs that can be found in stool. C. difficile can sometimes occur when antibiotics kill your good germs and allow the C. difficile (bad germs) to grow. When C. difficile grows in the bowel, it produces toxins. These toxins can damage the bowel and may cause diarrhea.
C. difficile Infection (CDI) is usually mild but sometimes can be severe. CDI is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitals and long-term care homes.
Spreading C. difficile
When a person has CDI, the bacteria in the stool can contaminate surfaces such as toilets, handles, bedpans, or commode chairs. When touching these items our hands can become contaminated. If we then touch our mouth without washing our hands, we can become infected. Our soiled hands can also spread the bacteria to other surfaces. By always washing your hands and
practicing good hygiene, you can greatly reduce your chances of picking up any bacteria – not just C. difficile.
HHCC regularly monitors and reviews infection rates and uses this information to execute best practice protective measures and continually improve patient care and safety.
Access our C. difficile infection rates.