Causes of C-diff and How To Prevent It Spreading

C-diff (clostridium difficile) bacteria spreads easily in healthcare environments such as hospitals and care homes as it is contagious and often caused by antibiotics.

The cause of widespread C-diff infection is the spores that the bacteria produce. Once outside the body, these spores are highly resistant and can therefore contaminate all surfaces, clothing, bedding and skin. If a person touches a contaminated surface, the spores are spread further.

The spores can also be spread through the air, making c-diff very hard to control.

 

Causes of C-diff

C-diff bacteria live quite harmlessly in the guts of most children and a small proportion of adults, kept in check by “good” bacteria. However, if someone is taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, this can upset the balance of the bacteria in the gut, causing the C-diff to multiply and produce toxins.

Older people are most at risk of infection, with most cases occurring in those over 65. But anyone who has or has a serious illness, any underlying conditions, a weakened immune system or is taking broad-spectrum antibiotics is also at risk.

Symptoms of C-diff

Symptoms of C-diff are usually caused by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and can include:

• Diarrhoea
• Blood in stools
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

In rare cases, c-diff infection can also lead to septicaemia (blood-poisoning) or peritonitis (infection of the lining of the bowel).

Prevent the Spread of C-diff

It is not always possible in a busy and crowded healthcare environment to stop the c-diff bacteria spreading completely, but there are precautions you can take to minimize the spread of the infection.

• Wash hands with soap and water, or hand sanitiser, when entering and leaving patients’ rooms and wards. 
• If you feel at all unwell, stay at home. 
• Wear disposable gloves and aprons when dealing with anyone who is infected.
• If possible, infected people should have their own rooms and toilets.
• Encourage patients/residents, staff and visitors to wash their hands thoroughly.
• Clean any surfaces with water and a suitable cleaning product.
• Wash clothing and bedding thoroughly on a hot wash.

The causes of c-diff make it a high risk in healthcare environments, but by practising good hygiene and ensuring you follow infection control guidelines, you can help prevent the spread of C-diff among residents and staff.

 

To find out more about C-diff and how to prevent it,
call the Cairn Care Home Team on 0845 226 0185.