Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

Clostridioides difficile (also known as C. diff) is a type of bacteria which can be found in the large bowel which can cause diarrhoea and most commonly affects people who have recently been treated with antibiotics, particularly the elderly and people whose immune systems are compromised.

You can become infected with C. diff if you ingest the bacterium (through contact with a contaminated environment or person).

C. diff infections can be unpleasant and can sometimes cause serious bowel problems but can usually be treated with another course of antibiotics.

For further information:

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) – NHS

Collecting a stool sample

Did you know:

C.diff can be found in the gut of around 1 in 30 adults
Other healthy bacteria in the gut normally keep C.diff under control
Antibiotics can interfere with the healthy bacteria in the gut and cause C.diff and other bacteria to multiply
C.diff bacteria produces toxins A&B, toxin B causes diarrhoea
Spores from C.diff are passed out in faeces
Spores can survive on hands, surfaces and other objects for a long time unless they are removed by effective cleaning