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What is C. diff?

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a germ that can cause severe diarrhea and potentially lead to life-threatening diseases. C. diff commonly affects the elderly and those with weak immune systems, such as hospital patients who are on antibiotics. More than half a million contract a C. diff infection each year. C. diff bacteria are most often found throughout healthcare environments, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry too much, as a well balanced immune system that contains enough “good” bacteria can keep C. diff under control. 

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom is diarrhea, which can be experienced up to 15 times a day in severe cases. Diarrhea goes hand in hand with abdominal cramping and pain. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, dehydration and weight loss. Most importantly, C. diff can lead to more severe conditions such as kidney failure, colon complications, bowel perforation or tearing and, in some cases, death.

How does it spread? 

C. diff is found in fecal matter. Once it exits the body, the bacteria can spread to food, hard surfaces and other objects, often being transferred by hand. In some cases, the infection can even be transferred through the air. C. diff can persist in spore form for weeks or even months due to its resiliency, making it difficult to fully eradicate. Once the C. diff bacteria outnumber the normal bacteria in the body, toxins that attack the intestinal system and lead to the symptoms are produced.

Treatment

Treatment varies from patient to patient based on the state of their immune system and general health. Certain antibiotics can be effective in many cases. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary if there is organ failure or inflammation of the abdominal wall lining. Probiotics are usually prescribed to help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the patient’s digestive system. 

Prevention

While treatment is important, it is best to follow proper procedures to limit or prevent the spread of Clostridium Difficile. Regular and thorough hand washing is one of the most important steps in preventing the spread of C. diff. This applies to healthcare workers and visitors who are in an enclosed space with a C. diff patient. Hand washing needs to occur before and after entering the infected area. Contact with the spores can be avoided by wearing the appropriate gloves and gowns while in the room with the infected patient. 

As an additional step to combat the spread of C. diff, all surfaces near an infected person must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate disinfectant. The surface must be cleaned prior to disinfection and the chosen disinfectant must have an EPA-registered sporicidal claim against C. diff.  

State’s Solutions

State offers Quick Defense™ Disinfectant Tabs to effectively kill C. diff bacteria. They are an EPA-registered disinfectant with a four-minute kill claim for C. diff. To use, simply add two tablets into a quart sized spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pre-cleaned surface and allow it to remain wet for up to four minutes before air drying. 

If you would like a quote on Quick Defense Disinfectant Tabs to prevent the spread of C. diff in your facility, call 866-727-5477 and we will put you in touch with your local representative. 

Sources: 

Healthcare-associated Infections. (2019, January 09). Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/cdiff/Cdiff_infect.html

What is C. diff? | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/cdiff/what-is.html