C-DIF- WHAT IS IT?

  HELLO AGAIN,
  I WAS JUST TOLD THAT MY MOM HAS THE BACTERIA CALLED FOR SHORT C-DIF?? WHAT IS IT AND CAN THIS CAUSE A BLOCK IN THE INTESTINE SOMETIME AFTER SECOND BOWEL RESECTION? hOW DOES SOMEONE GET IT?
  ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS ALWAYS....
  THANKS DOTT
Dear Dott,
Clostridium difficile infectious diarrhea occurs secondary to a toxin produced by this bacterium. Acquisition of C. difficile occurs most frequently in elderly persons in hospitals or nursing homes, potentially due to environmental contamination with C. difficile and carriage of the spores on the hands of hospital personnel. Patients often develop diarrhea after antibiotic therapy. Most antibiotics have been implicated in the development of C. difficile infection. Other risk factors include: recent surgery, intensive care, nasogastric intubation and length of hospital stay. The typical clinical picture in C. difficile infection is nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. In severely ill patients low blood pressure, dilated colon (toxic megacolon) and colon perforation can occur. Treatment includes discontinuing the offending drug if possible and oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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