What type of room assignment is recommended for a patient with C. diff?

For a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a private room is recommended to effectively manage the infection and minimize the risk of transmission to other patients. C. difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness and is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route.

Assigning a patient to a private room helps contain the bacteria, since the spores can survive on surfaces for extended periods and are resistant to many common cleaning agents. This isolation is crucial in preventing cross-contamination and protecting other vulnerable patients in a healthcare setting.

Although a dedicated room with daily cleaning is beneficial, the primary recommendation remains a private room to ensure the highest level of infection control. This provides an environment where specific hygiene practices can be strictly adhered to, such as dedicated equipment and enhanced cleaning protocols, which further reduce the risk of C. diff spreading to others.

In contrast, shared rooms could put other patients at risk of infection, while a room with negative pressure is generally reserved for airborne pathogens, which is not relevant to C. diff transmission. The most effective approach to control its spread is to manage the patient in a private room setting.