CLOSTRIDIUN DIFFICILE

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE  YESTERDAY. ALL MY BLOOD WORK WAS NORMAL. MY STOOL CAME BACK AS BEING INFECTED WITH CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE TOXIN A. NO BLOOD WAS FOUND, OR WHITE BLOOD CELLS. I'M TAKIN FLAGYL. MY DOC WAS VAGUE AS TO HOW I GOT THIS. I WASN'T ON ANTIBIOTICS, AND I WASN'T A PATIENT IN A HOSPITAL. HE TOLD ME IT IS FROM CONTACT WITH FECAL MATTER. I'M REALLY BAFFLED AS TO HOW I CONTACTED THIS. MY  STOOLS R LOOSE. I DON'T HAVE SEVERE DIARRHEA. HE SAID THIS WILL CLEAR UP. I'M AFRAID I WILL GET IT AGAIN, BECAUCE I DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHT IS THE DIFF BETWEEN TOXIN A & B. PLEASE. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME INFO ON THIS  GROSS BACTERIA, THANK YOU

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The bacteria C Difficile releases two toxins, toxin A and B.  Both toxins may be resonsible for the symptoms caused by this infection.  In some experimental animals, only toxin A can cause damage, but in humans, both toxins can.  

C Difficile is transmitted from patient to patient contact.  Fomites of C Difficle can be found in toilets, bedpans, hospital floors, mops, scales, and furniture.  It can also be spread by healthcare workers where the bacteria can be carried on clothing, stethoscopes or hands.

Without knowing the history, I cannot be sure how you received the infection.  If your risk of obtaining the infection is low, you can repeat the test to ensure it wasn't a laboratory error.

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

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