Clostridium Difficile Infection

Overview

Specialists at Mayo Clinic are experienced in diagnosing and treating Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, a spectrum of diarrheal illness and colitis (colon inflammation) that can occur when this type of bacterium grows out of control in the colon.

Diagnosis

It is important to diagnose C. difficile as early as possible and begin aggressive treatment to avert complications. Stool tests are the standard diagnostic method. Read more about C. difficile diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Most cases of C. difficile infection are mild and respond quickly to medications. In severe cases, patients may need hospitalization and, rarely, surgery. Promising immunologic treatments (vaccines) are being developed to prevent Clostridium difficile. Read more about C. difficile treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Clostridium difficile Infection

The bacterium C. difficile causes one of the most widespread and potentially serious health care-associated infections acquired during a stay in a hospital or long-term care facility.

C. difficile bacteria are among hundreds of kinds of bacteria found normally in the intestines. Many play beneficial roles in the body. When a patient takes an antibiotic to treat an infection, it often destroys beneficial bacteria as well as the bacteria that's causing the illness. Without enough healthy bacteria, dangerous pathogens such as C. difficile can quickly grow out of control. Once it takes hold, C. difficile can produce two virulent toxins that attack the lining of the intestine.

C. difficile can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammations of the colon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the United States, C. difficile is responsible for tens of thousands of diarrhea cases and at least 5,000 deaths.

Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research