C. difficile

Definition

Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. difficile, is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colitis. It is often associated with antibiotic use and healthcare settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. C. difficile can produce toxins A and B which cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
2. The bacterium is typically identified using stool tests that detect toxins or PCR for specific genetic markers.
3. C. difficile infections (CDI) can range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.
4. Spores of C. difficile are resistant to many standard cleaning agents and can persist in the environment for long periods.
5. Treatment usually involves discontinuing the inciting antibiotic and starting specific antibiotics like vancomycin or fidaxomicin.

Review Questions

• What are the primary toxins produced by C. difficile and what do they cause?
• How is C. difficile typically identified in clinical settings?
• Why are C. difficile spores difficult to eliminate from healthcare environments?

Related terms

Gram-Positive Bacteria: Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall retaining crystal violet stain during Gram staining.

Colitis: Inflammation of the colon which can be caused by infections such as C. difficile.

Vancomycin:

An antibiotic commonly used to treat severe C. difficile infections.