What is C. diff?

Clostridioides difficile (klos–TRID–e–OY-dees dif–uh–SEEL), or C. diff, is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium or germ.
C. diff may colonize the human colon. It is present in 2-5% of the population.
C. diff is found throughout the environment in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and in contaminated food products.
This bacterium can lead to an infection in the colon called Clostridioides difficile infection, or CDI.
Symptoms of CDI may include watery diarrhea (known as Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, or CDAD), fever, nausea, abdominal cramping, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Learn more: Why Should I Care?

Prevalence

C. diff is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in healthcare settings.
C. diff caused nearly 500,000 infections in one year, and 29,000 deaths.
CDI accounts for significant rates of illness and death. In 2011, C. difficile was the 17th leading cause of death for people aged 65 years and older.
CDI is being increasingly recognized as a cause of diarrhea in the general community and in populations without the traditional risk factors for CDI
CDI recurs in about 1 in 5 patients. Learn more here: Why Should I Care?

Current or recent antibiotic use. Taking antibiotics increases the risk for acquiring a CDI by 7 – 10 times
Being aged 65 or older
Admission to the hospital for more than 8 hours, especially if admitted through the hospital emergency room
Admission to the intensive care unit
Residency in a nursing home
Other risk factors include using antacids and gastrointestinal surgery
Learn more by downloading our Care Guide.

If you suspect you or a loved one has a CDI, please visit our For Patients & Families page

Only take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor when absolutely needed for an infection.
You can help prevent the spread of C. diff in many ways, including thoroughly washing your hands, using bleach-based cleaners, and using prescriptions exactly as directed.
Learn more by downloading our Care Guide.