What is Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and how is it related to HAIs?

Clostridium difficile, often referred to as C. diff, is a bacterium that plays a significant role in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). It is known for causing severe diarrhea, which can lead to more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis. The primary risk factor for C. diff infections is the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal gut flora. This disruption allows C. diff to thrive and multiply, leading to infection.

C. diff infections are particularly troublesome in healthcare settings, where patients are often on antibiotics and may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible. The bacterium can be transmitted in hospitals and long-term care facilities through spores that are shed in the feces of infected individuals; these spores can survive on surfaces for long periods, increasing the risk of transmission.

Understanding the relationship between C. diff and HAIs is essential for implementing appropriate infection control measures, such as proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and judicious use of antibiotics, to prevent these infections from occurring and spreading in healthcare environments.