What is Clostridioides difficile?
• Clostridioides difficile, also known as ‘C. difficile’ and ‘C. diff’ is a
bacteria (germ) that normally lives in your large intestine
(gut/bowel).
• A small proportion (less than 1 in 30) of healthy adults carry a
small amount of Clostridioides difficile and don’t experience any
problem with it. It is kept in check by the normal, ‘good’ bacteria
in the bowel.
• However, when you take an antibiotic, some of the ‘good‘
bacteria die allowing the Clostridioides difficile bacteria to
multiply and you may get an infection in your bowel.
What are the symptoms of Clostridioides difficile?
• If you become infected with Clostridioides difficile you may get
diarrhoea, which occasionally has a very unpleasant smell.
• You may also suffer from stomach cramps, fever, nausea and
loss of appetite.
• Most people only get mildly ill and recover fully from it.
• However, in certain circumstances you may get seriously ill and
develop colitis (inflammation of the bowel).
How is Clostridioides difficile diagnosed?
• A sample of diarrhoea is sent to the laboratory for testing. Staff in
the laboratory test for Clostridioides difficile bacteria in the
diarrhoea.
Is Clostridioides difficile contagious?
• Yes, it is. If you have Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea, the
Clostridioides difficile bacteria can survive on your hands and
surfaces for a long time. It can then be passed on to others
from unwashed hands and equipment or the environment.
• To prevent the Clostridioides difficile from spreading, you, your
family members and healthcare staff need to regularly wash
hands using soap and warm water.
• The nursing team will help you cope with the diarrhoea and
ensure that the environment is kept clean. If you have any
concerns please ask the medical or nursing teams looking
after you.
Who is most likely to get Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea?
You are most at risk of developing infection if you:
• Are taking or have recently finished taking antibiotics OR
• Are over 65 years (but younger people can be affected) OR
• Have spent a long time in hospital or other healthcare setting
(e.g. nursing homes) OR
• Have a serious illness/condition OR
• Have a weakened immunity (e.g. receiving cancer treatment)
OR
• Have had bowel surgery.
What treatment will I get if I have Clostridioides difficile
diarrhoea?
• The medical team looking after you will review any antibiotics
that you are taking as certain antibiotics may have caused the
diarrhoea so you may have to stop taking them.
• You may be given other antibiotics which are effective against
the Clostridioides difficile bacteria.
• It is important to drink enough fluids so that you don’t become
dehydrated because of the diarrhoea.
• Your bowel movements will be monitored and recorded so that
the nurses can see what is happening.
How will I know when the Clostridioides difficile is no longer
infectious?
• Once the diarrhoea has stopped for at least 48 hours and your
bowel motion is back to normal you are on the mend.
Can Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea come back?
• Yes, Clostridioides difficile bacteria may remain in your bowel for
some time afterwards and the diarrhoea may return requiring
further treatment. If this happens to you please inform a
member of the medical or nursing team looking after you.
If I have Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea what will be done to
reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others.
• If you have symptoms (diarrhoea) you will be placed in a
private room, where possible or have designated toilet
facilities.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
and dry them after using the toilet or bed pan and before
eating.
• Be strict with your personal hygiene – do not share
personal items such as towels and face cloths.
• It is also important that all staff and visitors wash their
hands with soap and water when they come in or when
they leave your room. Do not be shy about reminding
people.
• Staff will wear aprons and gloves when they come in to
care for you or handle items in your room.
• Items in your room will either stay with you or be cleaned
when they are removed from your room.
Information for inpatients
Compliments, comments, concerns or complaints? If you
have any compliments, comments, concerns or complaints and about Clostridioides difficile
you would like to speak to somebody about them please
telephone 01773 525119 or email
dchst.patientexperienceteam@nhs.net

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dchst.communications@nhs.net Version 2
Approved Date 14/07/2021
Review Date 14/07/2024