Last Updated: 09/29/11 10:55:52 AM

Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)

Clostridium difficile [klo-STRID-ee-um dif-uh-SEEL] is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis. They are diseases that result from C. difficile infections such as Colitis, more serious instestinal conditions, sepsis, and rarely death.

C. difficile is generally treated for 10 days with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. The drugs are effective and appear to have few side-effects. People in good health usually do not get C. difficile disease. People who have other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics and the elderly are at greater risk of acquiring this disease. The bacteria are found in feces. People can become infected if they touch items or surfaces that are contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes. Healthcare workers can spread the bacteria to other patients or contaminate surfaces through hand contact.

• Contact Precautions for duration of diarrhea
• Hand hygiene in compliance with CDC/WHO
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environment
• Laboratory-based alert system for immediate notification of positive test results
• Educate about CDI: health care providers, housekeeping, administration, patients, families

• Extend use of Contact Precautions beyond duration of diarrhea (e.g., 48 hours)*
• Presumptive isolation for symptomatic patients pending confirmation of CDI
• Evaluate and optimize testing for CDI
• Implement soap and water for hand hygiene before exiting room of a patient with CDI
• Implement universal glove use on units with high CDI rates*
• Use sodium hypochlorite (bleach) –containing agents for environmental cleaning
• Implement an antimicrobial stewardship

* Not included in CDC/HICPAC 2007 Guideline for isolation precautions.