Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a spore-forming, Gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that produces two exotoxins: toxin A and toxin B. Clostridium difficile is shed in feces. Any surface, device, or material that becomes contaminated with feces may serve as a reservoir for the Clostridium difficile spores. Clostridium difficile spores are transferred to patients mainly via the hands of healthcare personnel who have touched a contaminated surface or item. Clostridium difficile infection be prevented in hospitals by the prudent use of antibiotics; the use of contact precautions for patients with known or suspected Clostridium difficile infection; preventing contamination of the hands via glove use and handwashing; and implement an environmental cleaning and disinfection strategy.