View source for Clostridioides difficile infection

{{Short description|Disease caused by C. difficile bacteria}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Clostridioides difficile'' infection}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{cs1 config |name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = ''Clostridioides difficile'' infection
| synonyms = ''C. difficile'' associated diarrhea (CDAD), ''Clostridium difficile'' infection, ''C. difficile'' colitis
| image = Pseudomembranous colitis.JPG
| alt = 
| caption = Pathological specimen showing [[Colitis#Infectious|pseudomembranous colitis]]
| field = [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|Infectious disease]]
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], fever, nausea, [[abdominal pain]]<ref name=CDC2012/>
| complications = Pseudomembranous colitis, [[toxic megacolon]], [[perforation of the colon]], [[sepsis]]<ref name=CDC2012/>
| onset = 
| duration = 
| causes = ''[[Clostridioides difficile (bacteria)|Clostridioides difficile]]'' spread by the [[fecal-oral route]]<ref name=AHRQ2016/>
| risks = [[Antibiotic]]s, [[proton pump inhibitors]], hospitalization, other health problems, older age<ref name=CDC2012/>
| diagnosis = [[Stool culture]], testing for the bacteria's [[DNA]] or [[toxins]]<ref name=CDC2012/>
| differential = 
| prevention = [[Hand washing]], [[terminal room cleaning]] in hospital<ref name=AHRQ2016/>
| treatment = [[Metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], [[fidaxomicin]], [[fecal microbiota transplantation]]<ref name=CDC2012/><ref name=Coc2017/>
| medication = 
| prognosis = 
| frequency = 453,000 (US 2011)<ref name=AHRQ2016/><ref name=Lessa2015/>
| deaths = 29,000 (US)<ref name=AHRQ2016/><ref name=Lessa2015/>
}}
'''''Clostridioides difficile'' infection'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taxonomy browser (Clostridioides difficile) |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=1496&lvl=3&lin=f&keep=1&srchmode=1&unlock |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov}}</ref> ('''CDI''' or '''C-diff'''), also known as '''''Clostridium difficile'' infection''', is a symptomatic [[infection]] due to the [[bacterial spores|spore]]-forming bacterium ''[[Clostridioides difficile]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Di Bella |first1=Stefano |last2=Sanson |first2=Gianfranco |last3=Monticelli |first3=Jacopo |last4=Zerbato |first4=Verena |last5=Principe |first5=Luigi |last6=Giuffrè |first6=Mauro |last7=Pipitone |first7=Giuseppe |last8=Luzzati |first8=Roberto |date=2024-02-29 |title=Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options |journal=Clinical Microbiology Reviews |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=e0013523 |language=en |doi=10.1128/cmr.00135-23 |pmid=38421181 |pmc=11324037 |issn=0893-8512 }}</ref> Symptoms include watery [[diarrhea]], fever, nausea, and [[abdominal pain]].<ref name="CDC2012" /> It makes up about 20% of cases of [[antibiotic-associated diarrhea]].<ref name="CDC2012" />  Antibiotics can contribute to detrimental changes in [[gut microbiota]]; specifically, they decrease short-chain fatty acid absorption, which results in osmotic, or watery, diarrhea.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mullish BH, Williams HR | title = ''Clostridium difficile'' infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea | journal = Clinical Medicine | volume = 18 | issue = 3 | pages = 237–241 | date = June 2018 | pmid = 29858434 | pmc = 6334067 | doi = 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-237 }}</ref> Complications may include [[colitis#Infectious|pseudomembranous colitis]], [[toxic megacolon]], [[perforation of the colon]], and [[sepsis]].<ref name="CDC2012" />

<!-- Cause and diagnosis -->
''Clostridioides difficile'' infection is spread by bacterial spores found within [[feces]].<ref name="CDC2012" /> Surfaces may become contaminated with the spores, with further spread occurring via the hands of healthcare workers.<ref name="CDC2012" /> Risk factors for infection include [[antibiotic]] or [[proton pump inhibitor]] use, hospitalization, hypoalbuminemia,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = di Masi A, Leboffe L, Polticelli F, Tonon F, Zennaro C, Caterino M, Stano P, Fischer S, Hägele M, Müller M, Kleger A, Papatheodorou P, Nocca G, Arcovito A, Gori A, Ruoppolo M, Barth H, Petrosillo N, Ascenzi P, Di Bella S | title = Human Serum Albumin Is an Essential Component of the Host Defense Mechanism Against Clostridium difficile Intoxication | journal = The Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 218 | issue = 9 | pages = 1424–1435 | date = September 2018 | pmid = 29868851 | doi = 10.1093/infdis/jiy338 | doi-access = free | hdl = 2434/1049982 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> other health problems, and older age.<ref name="CDC2012" /> Diagnosis is by [[stool culture]] or testing for the bacteria's [[DNA]] or [[toxins]].<ref name="CDC2012" /> If a person tests positive but has no symptoms, the condition is known as ''C. difficile'' [[Colonisation (biology)|colonization]] rather than an infection.<ref name="CDC2012">{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Clostridium difficile for Healthcare Providers|url=https://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/cdiff/Cdiff_faqs_HCP.html|website=CDC|access-date=5 September 2016|date=March 6, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902025954/http://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff_faqs_hcp.html|archive-date=2 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

<!-- Prevention and treatment -->
Prevention efforts include [[terminal room cleaning]] in hospitals, limiting antibiotic use, and [[handwashing]] campaigns in hospitals.<ref name="AHRQ2016">{{cite journal | vauthors = Butler M, Olson A, Drekonja D, Shaukat A, Schwehr N, Shippee N, Wilt TJ | title = Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Clostridium difficile: Update | journal = AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews. | pages = vi,1 | date = March 2016 | pmid = 27148613 }}</ref> [[Alcohol based hand sanitizer]] does not appear effective.<ref name="AHRQ2016" /> Discontinuation of antibiotics may result in resolution of symptoms within three days in about 20% of those infected.<ref name="CDC2012" />

The antibiotics [[metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], or [[fidaxomicin]], will cure the infection.<ref name="CDC2012" /><ref name="Coc2017">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nelson RL, Suda KJ, Evans CT | title = Antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in adults | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2017 | pages = CD004610 | date = March 2017 | issue = 3 | pmid = 28257555 | pmc = 6464548 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004610.pub5 }}</ref> Retesting after treatment, as long as the symptoms have resolved, is not recommended, as a person may often remain colonized.<ref name="CDC2012" /> Recurrences have been reported in up to 25% of people.<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG |title= Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases|date=2012|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=978-1455739851|pages = 979|edition=4th |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TN2Gu2Af1BIC&pg=PA979|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914225503/https://books.google.com/books?id=TN2Gu2Af1BIC&pg=PA979|archive-date=14 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Some tentative evidence indicates [[fecal microbiota transplantation]] and [[probiotics]] may decrease the risk of recurrence.<ref name="AHRQ2016" /><ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Li W |title=Eat To Beat Disease |publisher=GrandCentral |year=2019 |pages=44–45, 50–51}}</ref>

<!-- Epidemiology and history -->
[[File:Clostridioides (pseudomembranous) colitis– close-up.jpg|thumb|pseudomembranous colitis]]
''C. difficile'' infections occur in all areas of the world.<ref name="NEJM2015" /> About 453,000 cases occurred in the United States in 2011, resulting in 29,000 deaths.<ref name="AHRQ2016" /><ref name="Lessa2015">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lessa FC, Mu Y, Bamberg WM, Beldavs ZG, Dumyati GK, Dunn JR, Farley MM, Holzbauer SM, Meek JI, Phipps EC, Wilson LE, Winston LG, Cohen JA, Limbago BM, Fridkin SK, Gerding DN, McDonald LC | title = Burden of Clostridium difficile infection in the United States | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 372 | issue = 9 | pages = 825–34 | date = February 2015 | pmid = 25714160 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa1408913 | pmc = 10966662 | hdl = 11603/29071 | s2cid = 20441835 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> Global rates of disease increased between 2001 and 2016.<ref name="AHRQ2016" /><ref name="NEJM2015" /> ''C. difficile'' infections occur more often in women than men.<ref name="AHRQ2016" /> The bacterium was discovered in 1935 and found to be disease-causing in 1978.<ref name="NEJM2015">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lessa FC, Gould CV, McDonald LC | title = Current status of Clostridium difficile infection epidemiology | journal = Clinical Infectious Diseases | volume = 55 | issue = Suppl 2 | pages = S65-70 | date = August 2012 | pmid = 22752867 | pmc = 3388017 | doi = 10.1093/cid/cis319 }}</ref> Attributable costs for ''Clostridioides difficile'' infection in hospitalized adults range from
$4500 to $15,000.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Asensio A, Di Bella S, Lo Vecchio A, Grau S, Hart WM, Isidoro B, Scotto R, Petrosillo N, Watt M, Nazir J | title = The impact of Clostridium difficile infection on resource use and costs in hospitals in Spain and Italy: a matched cohort study | journal = International Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 36 | pages = 31–38 | date = July 2015 | pmid = 26003403 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.05.013 | hdl-access = free | doi-access = free | hdl = 11368/2934734 }}</ref> In the United States, [[Hospital-acquired infection|healthcare-associated infections]] increase the cost of care by US$1.5 billion each year.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Leffler DA, Lamont JT | title = Clostridium difficile infection | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 372 | issue = 16 | pages = 1539–1548 | date = April 2015 | pmid = 25875259 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra1403772 | s2cid = 2536693 }}</ref> Although ''C. difficile'' is a common healthcare-associated infection, at most 30% of infections are transmitted within hospitals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Eyre DW, Cule ML, Wilson DJ, Griffiths D, Vaughan A, O'Connor L, Ip CL, Golubchik T, Batty EM, Finney JM, Wyllie DH, Didelot X, Piazza P, Bowden R, Dingle KE, Harding RM, Crook DW, Wilcox MH, Peto TE, Walker AS | title = Diverse sources of C. difficile infection identified on whole-genome sequencing | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 369 | issue = 13 | pages = 1195–1205 | date = September 2013 | pmid = 24066741 | pmc = 3868928 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa1216064 }}</ref> The majority of infections are acquired outside of hospitals, where medications and a recent history of diarrheal illnesses (e.g. [[laxative abuse]] or food poisoning due to [[salmonellosis]]) are thought to drive the risk of colonization.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = VanInsberghe D, Elsherbini JA, Varian B, Poutahidis T, Erdman S, Polz MF | title = Diarrhoeal events can trigger long-term Clostridium difficile colonization with recurrent blooms | journal = Nature Microbiology | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | pages = 642–650 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 32042128 | doi = 10.1038/s41564-020-0668-2 | s2cid = 211074075 }}</ref>
[[File:Clostridioides (pseudomembranous) colitis.jpg|thumb|pseudomembranous colitis]]
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== Signs and symptoms ==
Signs and symptoms of CDI range from mild diarrhea to severe life-threatening [[colitis|inflammation of the colon]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Joshi NM, Macken L, Rampton DS | title = Inpatient diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile infection | journal = Clinical Medicine | volume = 12 | issue = 6 | pages = 583–8 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 23342416 | pmc = 5922602 | doi = 10.7861/clinmedicine.12-6-583 }}</ref>

In adults, a [[clinical prediction rule]] found the best [[medical sign|signs]] to be significant diarrhea ("new onset of more than three partially formed or watery stools per 24-hour period"), recent antibiotic exposure, abdominal pain, fever (up to 40.5&nbsp;°C or 105&nbsp;°F), and a distinctive foul odor to the stool resembling horse manure.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bomers MK, Menke FP, Savage RS, Vandenbroucke-Grauls CM, van Agtmael MA, Covington JA, Smulders YM | s2cid = 3051623 | title = Rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of C. difficile in stool samples | journal = The American Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 110 | issue = 4 | pages = 588–94 | date = April 2015 | pmid = 25823766 | doi = 10.1038/ajg.2015.90 }}</ref> In a hospital population, prior antibiotic treatment plus diarrhea or abdominal pain had a [[sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]] of 86% and a [[specificity (tests)|specificity]] of 45%.<ref name="pmid8644759">{{cite journal | vauthors = Katz DA, Lynch ME, Littenberg B | title = Clinical prediction rules to optimize cytotoxin testing for Clostridium difficile in hospitalized patients with diarrhea | journal = The American Journal of Medicine | volume = 100 | issue = 5 | pages = 487–95 | date = May 1996 | pmid = 8644759 | doi = 10.1016/S0002-9343(95)00016-X }}</ref> In this study with a prevalence of positive cytotoxin assays of 14%, the [[positive predictive value]] was 18% and the [[negative predictive value]] was 94%.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

In children, the most prevalent symptom of a CDI is watery diarrhea with at least three bowel movements a day for two or more days, which may be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and/or abdominal pain.<ref name="Moreno – June 2013">{{cite journal | vauthors = Moreno MA, Furtner F, Rivara FP | title = Clostridium difficile: a cause of diarrhea in children | journal = JAMA Pediatrics | volume = 167 | issue = 6 | pages = 592 | date = June 2013 | pmid = 23733223 | doi = 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.2551 | df = dmy-all | doi-access = free }}</ref> Those with a severe infection also may develop serious inflammation of the colon and have little or no diarrhea.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

== Cause ==
{{Main|Clostridioides difficile}}
[[File:How C. difficile spreads.png|thumb|upright=1.2|How ''C. difficile'' spreads]]
Infection with ''[[Clostridium difficile|C. difficile]]'' [[bacteria]] is responsible for ''C. difficile'' diarrhea.

=== ''C. difficile'' ===
[[File:Clostridium difficile EM.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Individual, drumstick-shaped ''C. difficile'' bacilli seen through [[scanning electron microscopy]]]]
[[Image:Clostridium difficile colonies.png|thumb|upright=1.2|''C. difficile'' colonies on a blood [[agar plate]]]]

Clostridia are [[anaerobic organism|anaerobic]] [[Motility|motile]] [[bacteria]], ubiquitous in nature, and especially prevalent in soil. Under the microscope, they appear as long, irregular (often drumstick- or spindle-shaped) cells with a bulge at their terminal ends. Under [[gram stain]]ing, ''C. difficile'' cells are [[Gram-positive bacteria|gram-positive]] and show optimum growth on [[blood agar]] at human body temperatures in the absence of [[oxygen]]. When stressed, the bacteria produce [[spore]]s that can tolerate extreme conditions that the active bacteria cannot tolerate.<ref name=Sherris />

''C. difficile'' may colonize the human [[large intestine|colon]] without symptom; approximately 2–5% of the adult population are carriers, although it varies considerably with [[Demography|demographics]].<ref name=Sherris /> The risk of colonization has been linked to a history of unrelated diarrheal illnesses (e.g., laxative abuse and [[Foodborne illness|food poisoning]] due to Salmonellosis or [[Vibrio cholerae]] infection).<ref name=":0" />

Pathogenic ''C. difficile'' strains produce multiple [[toxin]]s.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Di Bella S, Ascenzi P, Siarakas S, Petrosillo N, di Masi A | title = Clostridium difficile Toxins A and B: Insights into Pathogenic Properties and Extraintestinal Effects | journal = Toxins | volume = 8 | issue = 5 | pages = 134 | date = May 2016 | pmid = 27153087 | pmc = 4885049 | doi = 10.3390/toxins8050134 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The most well-characterized are [[enterotoxin]] ([[Clostridium difficile toxin A|''C. diff'' toxin A]]) and [[cytotoxin]] ([[Clostridium difficile toxin B|''C. diff'' toxin B]]), both of which may produce [[diarrhea]] and [[inflammation]] in infected people,. Their relative contributions have been debated.<ref name=Sherris /> Toxins A and B are glucosyltransferases that target and inactivate the [[Rho family of GTPases]]. Toxin B (cytotoxin) induces [[actin]] depolymerization by a mechanism correlated with a decrease in the [[ADP-ribosylation]] of the low molecular mass GTP-binding Rho proteins.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Just I, Selzer J, von Eichel-Streiber C, Aktories K | title = The low molecular mass GTP-binding protein Rho is affected by toxin A from Clostridium difficile | journal = The Journal of Clinical Investigation | volume = 95 | issue = 3 | pages = 1026–31 | date = March 1995 | pmid = 7883950 | pmc = 441436 | doi = 10.1172/JCI117747 }}</ref> Another toxin, [[Pore-forming toxin#Binary toxins|binary toxin]], also has been described. Its role in disease is not fully understood.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Barth H, Aktories K, Popoff MR, Stiles BG | title = Binary bacterial toxins: biochemistry, biology, and applications of common Clostridium and Bacillus proteins | journal = Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews | volume = 68 | issue = 3 | pages = 373–402, table of contents | date = September 2004 | pmid = 15353562 | pmc = 515256 | doi = 10.1128/MMBR.68.3.373-402.2004 }}</ref>

Antibiotic treatment of CDIs may be difficult, due both to [[antibiotic resistance]] and physiological factors of the bacteria (spore formation, protective effects of the pseudomembrane).<ref name=Sherris /> The emergence of a new and highly toxic strain of ''C. difficile'' that is resistant to [[Quinolone antibiotic|fluoroquinolone]] antibiotics such as [[ciprofloxacin]] and [[levofloxacin]], said to be causing geographically dispersed outbreaks in North America, was reported in 2005.<ref name=Loo_2005>{{cite journal | vauthors = Loo VG, Poirier L, Miller MA, Oughton M, Libman MD, Michaud S, Bourgault AM, Nguyen T, Frenette C, Kelly M, Vibien A, Brassard P, Fenn S, Dewar K, Hudson TJ, Horn R, René P, Monczak Y, Dascal A | title = A predominantly clonal multi-institutional outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea with high morbidity and mortality | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 353 | issue = 23 | pages = 2442–9 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16322602 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa051639 | s2cid = 14818750 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The U.S. [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] <!-- (CDC) --> in Atlanta warned of the emergence of an epidemic strain with increased virulence, antibiotic resistance, or both.<ref name=McDonald_2005>{{cite journal | vauthors = McDonald LC | title = Clostridium difficile: responding to a new threat from an old enemy | journal = Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology | volume = 26 | issue = 8 | pages = 672–5 | date = August 2005 | pmid = 16156321 | doi = 10.1086/502600 | s2cid = 44919184 | url = https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/infDis/Cdiff_ICHE08_05.pdf | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604191632/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/infDis/Cdiff_ICHE08_05.pdf | df = dmy-all | archive-date = 4 June 2011 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

''C. difficile'' is transmitted from person to person by the [[fecal-oral route]]. The organism forms heat-resistant spores that are not killed by alcohol-based hand cleansers or routine surface cleaning. Thus, these spores survive in clinical environments for long periods. Because of this, the bacteria may be cultured from almost any surface. Once spores are ingested, their acid resistance allows them to pass through the stomach unscathed. Upon exposure to [[bile acid]]s, they germinate and multiply into vegetative cells in the colon.  The presence of the bile acid [[deoxycholic acid]] in the intestinal environment can promote the induction of ''C. difficile'' [[biofilm]] formation.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Schüler MA, Daniel R, Poehlein A |title=Novel insights into phage biology of the pathogen Clostridioides difficile based on the active virome |journal=Front Microbiol |volume=15 |issue= |pages=1374708 |date=2024 |pmid=38577680 |pmc=10993401 |doi=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374708 |doi-access=free |url=}}</ref> People without a history of gastrointestinal disturbances due to antibiotic use or diarrheal illness are less likely to become colonized by ''C. difficile''.<ref name=":0" />

In 2005, molecular analysis led to the identification of the ''C. difficile'' strain type characterized as group BI by [[Restriction enzyme|restriction endonuclease]] analysis<!-- (REA) -->, as North American pulse-field-type NAP1 by [[pulsed-field gel electrophoresis]] <!-- (PFGE) --> and as [[ribotyping|ribotype]] 027; the differing terminology reflects the predominant techniques used for epidemiological typing. This strain is referred to as ''C. difficile'' BI/NAP1/027.<ref name=Rupnik_2009>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rupnik M, Wilcox MH, Gerding DN | s2cid = 23376891 | title = Clostridium difficile infection: new developments in epidemiology and pathogenesis | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 7 | issue = 7 | pages = 526–36 | date = July 2009 | pmid = 19528959 | doi = 10.1038/nrmicro2164 }}</ref>

=== Risk factors ===

==== Antibiotics ====
''C. difficile'' colitis is associated most strongly with the use of these antibiotics: [[fluoroquinolones]], [[cephalosporins]], and [[clindamycin]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Luciano JA, Zuckerbraun BS | title = Clostridium difficile infection: prevention, treatment, and surgical management | journal = The Surgical Clinics of North America | volume = 94 | issue = 6 | pages = 1335–49 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25440127 | doi = 10.1016/j.suc.2014.08.006 }}</ref>

Some research suggests the routine [[Use of antibiotics in livestock|use of antibiotics in the raising of livestock]] is contributing to outbreaks of bacterial infections such as ''C. difficile''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/scientists-probe-whether-c-difficile-is-linked-to-eating-meat-1.621681 |publisher=CBC News |title=Scientists probe whether ''C. difficile'' is linked to eating meat |date=2006-10-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061024034645/http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/10/04/cdifficile-meat.html |archive-date=24 October 2006 }}</ref>

==== Healthcare environment ====
People are most often [[Hospital-acquired infection|infected in hospitals]], [[nursing home]]s,<ref name="DumyatiStone2017">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dumyati G, Stone ND, Nace DA, Crnich CJ, Jump RL | title = Challenges and Strategies for Prevention of Multidrug-Resistant Organism Transmission in Nursing Homes | journal = Current Infectious Disease Reports | volume = 19 | issue = 4 | pages = 18 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 28382547 | pmc = 5382184 | doi = 10.1007/s11908-017-0576-7 }}</ref> or other medical institutions, although infection outside medical settings is increasing. Individuals can develop the infection if they touch objects or surfaces contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes. Healthcare workers could possibly spread the bacteria or contaminate surfaces through hand contact.<ref>{{cite web|title=Clostridium difficile Infection Information for Patients {{!}} HAI {{!}} CDC|url=https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff-patient.html|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=19 April 2017|language=en-us|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330023956/https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/Cdiff-patient.html|archive-date=30 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The rate of ''C. difficile'' acquisition is estimated to be 13% in those with hospital stays of up to two weeks, and 50% with stays longer than four weeks.<ref name="Clabots_1992">{{cite journal | vauthors = Clabots CR, Johnson S, Olson MM, Peterson LR, Gerding DN | title = Acquisition of Clostridium difficile by hospitalized patients: evidence for colonized new admissions as a source of infection | journal = The Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 166 | issue = 3 | pages = 561–7 | date = September 1992 | pmid = 1323621 | doi = 10.1093/infdis/166.3.561 }}</ref>

Long-term hospitalization or residence in a nursing home within the previous year are independent risk factors for increased [[Colony (biology)|colonization]].<ref name="Halsey">{{cite journal | vauthors = Halsey J | title = Current and future treatment modalities for Clostridium difficile-associated disease | journal = American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | volume = 65 | issue = 8 | pages = 705–15 | date = April 2008 | pmid = 18387898 | doi = 10.2146/ajhp070077 }}</ref>

==== Acid suppression medication ====
Increasing rates of community-acquired CDI are associated with the use of medication to suppress [[gastric acid]] production: [[H2-receptor antagonist]]s increased the risk 1.5-fold, and [[proton pump inhibitor]]s by 1.7 with once-daily use and 2.4 with more than once-daily use.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Howell MD, Novack V, Grgurich P, Soulliard D, Novack L, Pencina M, Talmor D | title = Iatrogenic gastric acid suppression and the risk of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection | journal = Archives of Internal Medicine | volume = 170 | issue = 9 | pages = 784–90 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20458086 | doi = 10.1001/archinternmed.2010.89 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Deshpande A, Pant C, Pasupuleti V, Rolston DD, Jain A, Deshpande N, Thota P, Sferra TJ, Hernandez AV | title = Association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and Clostridium difficile infection in a meta-analysis | journal = Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology | volume = 10 | issue = 3 | pages = 225–33 | date = March 2012 | pmid = 22019794 | doi = 10.1016/j.cgh.2011.09.030 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Increased risk in recurrent CDI is also found with gastric acid repression use in observational studies, with a rate of 22.1%, compared to patients without gastric acid repression has a rate of 17.3% of recurrent CDI.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tariq R, Singh S, Gupta A, Pardi DS, Khanna S | title = Association of Gastric Acid Suppression With Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | journal = JAMA Internal Medicine | volume = 177 | issue = 6 | pages = 784–791 | date = June 2017 | pmid = 28346595 | pmc = 5540201 | doi = 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.0212 }}</ref>

==== Diarrheal illnesses ====
People with a recent history of diarrheal illness are at increased risk of becoming colonized by ''C. difficile'' when exposed to spores, including laxative abuse and gastrointestinal pathogens.<ref name=":0" />  Disturbances that increase intestinal motility are thought to transiently elevate the concentration of available dietary sugars, allowing ''C. difficile'' to proliferate and gain a foothold in the gut.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ferreyra JA, Wu KJ, Hryckowian AJ, Bouley DM, Weimer BC, Sonnenburg JL | title = Gut microbiota-produced succinate promotes C. difficile infection after antibiotic treatment or motility disturbance | journal = Cell Host & Microbe | volume = 16 | issue = 6 | pages = 770–7 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25498344 | pmc = 4859344 | doi = 10.1016/j.chom.2014.11.003 }}</ref> Although not all colonization events lead to disease, asymptomatic carriers remain colonized for years at a time.<ref name=":0" /> During this time, the abundance of ''C. difficile'' varies considerably day-to-day, causing periods of increased shedding that could substantially contribute to community-acquired infection rates.<ref name=":0" />

==== Other ====
As a result of suppression of healthy bacteria, via a loss of bacterial food source, prolonged use of an [[elemental diet]] increases the risk of developing ''C. difficile'' infection.<ref name="pmid20066732">{{cite journal | vauthors = O'Keefe SJ | title = Tube feeding, the microbiota, and Clostridium difficile infection | journal = World Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 16 | issue = 2 | pages = 139–42 | date = January 2010 | pmid = 20066732 | pmc = 2806551 | doi = 10.3748/wjg.v16.i2.139 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Low serum albumin levels are a risk factor for the development of ''C. difficile'' infection and, when infected, for severe disease.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Crook DW, Walker AS, Kean Y, Weiss K, Cornely OA, Miller MA, Esposito R, Louie TJ, Stoesser NE, Young BC, Angus BJ, Gorbach SL, Peto TE | title = Fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection: meta-analysis of pivotal randomized controlled trials | journal = Clinical Infectious Diseases | volume = 55 | issue = Suppl 2 | pages = S93-103 | date = August 2012 | pmid = 22752871 | pmc = 3388031 | doi = 10.1093/cid/cis499 }}</ref><ref name=Sar2019/> The protective effects of serum albumin may be related to the capability of this protein to bind ''C. difficile'' toxin A and toxin B, thus impairing entry into enterocytes.<ref name=Sar2019>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sartelli M, Di Bella S, McFarland LV, Khanna S, Furuya-Kanamori L, Abuzeid N, Abu-Zidan FM, Ansaloni L, Augustin G, Bala M, Ben-Ishay O, Biffl WL, Brecher SM, Camacho-Ortiz A, Caínzos MA, Chan S, Cherry-Bukowiec JR, Clanton J, Coccolini F, Cocuz ME, Coimbra R, Cortese F, Cui Y, Czepiel J, Demetrashvili Z, Di Carlo I, Di Saverio S, Dumitru IM, Eckmann C, Eiland EH, Forrester JD, Fraga GP, Frossard JL, Fry DE, Galeiras R, Ghnnam W, Gomes CA, Griffiths EA, Guirao X, Ahmed MH, Herzog T, Kim JI, Iqbal T, Isik A, Itani KM, Labricciosa FM, Lee YY, Juang P, Karamarkovic A, Kim PK, Kluger Y, Leppaniemi A, Lohsiriwat V, Machain GM, Marwah S, Mazuski JE, Metan G, Moore EE, Moore FA, Ordoñez CA, Pagani L, Petrosillo N, Portela F, Rasa K, Rems M, Sakakushev BE, Segovia-Lohse H, Sganga G, Shelat VG, Spigaglia P, Tattevin P, Tranà C, Urbánek L, Ulrych J, Viale P, Baiocchi GL, Catena F | title = difficile infection in surgical patients | journal = World Journal of Emergency Surgery | volume = 14 | pages = 8 | date = 2019 | pmid = 30858872 | pmc = 6394026 | doi = 10.1186/s13017-019-0228-3 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

[[Chronic kidney disease]] (CKD) has been identified as a risk factor in the development of a ''C. difficile'' infection.<ref name="Mayo2021">{{cite web |title=C. difficile-Symptoms and causes |website=Mayo Clinic |date=27 August 2021 |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691 |access-date=23 October 2022 |archive-date=8 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008071549/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736/DSECTION%3Dprevention |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pmid26767866">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kim SC, Seo MY, Lee JY, Kim KT, Cho E, Kim MG, Jo SK, Cho WY, Kim HK |title=Advanced chronic kidney disease: a strong risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection |journal=The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=125–33 |date=January 2016 |pmid=26767866 |pmc=4712416 |doi=10.3904/kjim.2016.31.1.125}}</ref> Patients with CKD have a higher risk of both initial and recurring infection, as well as a higher chance of severe infection, than those without CKD.<ref name="pmid30876614">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ramesh MS, Yee J |title=Clostridioides difficile Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease/End-Stage Renal Disease |journal=Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=30–34 |date=January 2019 |pmid=30876614 |doi=10.1053/j.ackd.2019.01.001|s2cid=80621282 }}</ref> Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease are also at higher risk for infection and a recent study suggests they may have intermittent ''C. difficile'' infection masked by IBD symptoms, and testing should be considered in patients with changes in disease activity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cook L, Wong MQ, Rees WD, Schick A, Lisko DJ, Lunken GR, Wang X, Peters H, Oliveira L, Lau T, Mah R, Bressler B, Levings MK, Steiner TS | title = Dysregulated Immunity to Clostridioides difficile in IBD Patients Without a History of Recognized Infection | journal = Inflammatory Bowel Diseases | date = October 2023 | volume = 30 | issue = 5 | pages = 820–828 | pmid = 37874904 | doi = 10.1093/ibd/izad238 | doi-access = free | pmc = 11063544 }}</ref>

== Pathophysiology ==
The use of systemic antibiotics, including broad-spectrum penicillins/cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and clindamycin, alters the normal microbiota of the bowel. In particular, when the [[antibiotic]] kills off other competing bacteria in the intestine, any bacteria remaining will have less competition for space and nutrients. The net effect is to permit more extensive growth than normal of certain bacteria. ''C. difficile'' is one such type of bacterium. In addition to proliferating in the bowel, ''C. difficile'' also produces [[toxins]]. Without either toxin A or toxin B, ''C. difficile'' may colonize the gut, but is unlikely to cause pseudomembranous colitis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kuehne SA, Cartman ST, Heap JT, Kelly ML, Cockayne A, Minton NP | s2cid = 4417414 | title = The role of toxin A and toxin B in Clostridium difficile infection | journal = Nature | volume = 467 | issue = 7316 | pages = 711–3 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20844489 | doi = 10.1038/nature09397 | url = http://spiral.imperial.ac.uk/bitstream/10044/1/15560/2/Nature_467_7316_2010.pdf | bibcode = 2010Natur.467..711K | hdl = 10044/1/15560 | hdl-access = free | access-date = 2 September 2019 | archive-date = 9 August 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170809155249/http://spiral.imperial.ac.uk/bitstream/10044/1/15560/2/Nature_467_7316_2010.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> The colitis associated with severe infection is part of an inflammatory reaction, with the "pseudomembrane" formed by a viscous collection of inflammatory cells, [[fibrin]], and necrotic cells.<ref name="Sherris">{{cite book | veditors = Ryan KJ, Ray CG | title = Sherris Medical Microbiology | edition = 4th | pages = 322–4 | publisher = McGraw Hill | year = 2004 | isbn= 978-0-8385-8529-0 }}</ref>

== Diagnosis ==
[[File:Colonic pseudomembranes low mag.jpg|thumb|right|[[Micrograph]] of a colonic pseudomembrane in ''C. difficile'' colitis, a type of pseudomembranous colitis, [[H&E stain]]]]
[[File:Pseudomembranous colitis 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[colonoscopy|Endoscopic]] image of pseudomembranous colitis, with yellow pseudomembranes seen on the wall of the [[sigmoid colon]]]]
[[File:Pseudomembranoese Colitis coronar.jpg|thumb|Pseudomembranous colitis on computed tomography]]
Before the advent of tests to detect ''C. difficile'' toxins, the diagnosis most often was made by [[colonoscopy]] or [[sigmoidoscopy]]. The appearance of "pseudomembranes" on the mucosa of the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] or [[rectum]] is highly suggestive, but not diagnostic of the condition.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://surgpathcriteria.stanford.edu/gi/pseudomembranous-colitis/differentialdiagnosis.html|title = Surgical Pathology Criteria: Pseudomembranous Colitis|website = Stanford School of Medicine|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903205050/http://surgpathcriteria.stanford.edu/gi/pseudomembranous-colitis/differentialdiagnosis.html|archive-date = 3 September 2014|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The pseudomembranes are composed of an exudate made of inflammatory debris, [[white blood cell]]s. Although colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are still employed, now stool testing for the presence of ''C. difficile'' toxins is frequently the first-line diagnostic approach. Usually, only two toxins are tested for—toxin A and toxin B—but the organism produces several others. This test is not 100% accurate, with a considerable false-negative rate even with repeat testing.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bocchetti M, Ferraro MG, Melisi F, Grisolia P, Scrima M, Cossu AM, Yau TO | title = Overview of current detection methods and microRNA potential in ''Clostridioides difficile'' infection screening | journal = World Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 29 | issue = 22 | pages = 3385–3399 | date = June 2023 | pmid = 37389232 | pmc = 10303512 | doi = 10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3385 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Classification ===
CDI may be classified into non-severe CDI, severe CDI, and fulminant CDI depending on creatinine and white blood count parameters.<ref name="Kelly Fischer Allegretti LaPlante pp. 1124–1147"/>

=== Cytotoxicity assay ===
''C. difficile'' toxins have a [[cytopathic]] effect in cell culture, and neutralization of any effect observed with specific antisera is the practical [[Gold standard (test)|gold standard]] for studies investigating new CDI diagnostic techniques.<ref name=Sherris /> Toxigenic culture, in which organisms are cultured on selective media and tested for toxin production, remains the gold standard and is the most sensitive and specific test, although it is slow and labor-intensive.<ref name=Murray_1993>{{cite book |veditors=Murray PR, Baron EJ, Pfaller EA, Tenover F, Yolken RH |title=Manual of Clinical Microbiology |edition=8th |publisher=ASM Press |location=Washington DC |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-55581-255-3}}{{page needed|date=September 2012}}</ref>

=== Toxin ELISA ===
Assessment of the A and B toxins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ([[ELISA]]) for toxin A or B (or both) has a [[sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]] of 63–99% and a [[specificity (tests)|specificity]] of 93–100%, depending on detection assays.<ref name=":1" />

<!-- 20% prev is both prior abys and sig diarrhea per pred rule above -->
Previously, experts recommended sending as many as three stool samples to rule out disease if initial tests are negative, but evidence suggests repeated testing during the same episode of diarrhea is of limited value and should be discouraged.<ref name="pmid21635969">{{cite journal | vauthors = Deshpande A, Pasupuleti V, Patel P, Ajani G, Hall G, Hu B, Jain A, Rolston DD | title = Repeat stool testing to diagnose Clostridium difficile infection using enzyme immunoassay does not increase diagnostic yield | journal = Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology | volume = 9 | issue = 8 | pages = 665–669.e1 | date = August 2011 | pmid = 21635969 | doi = 10.1016/j.cgh.2011.04.030 }}</ref> ''C. difficile'' toxin should clear from the stool of somebody previously infected if treatment is effective. Many hospitals only test for the prevalent toxin A. Strains that express only the B toxin are now present in many hospitals, however, so testing for both toxins should occur.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/02/2504466.htm | vauthors = Salleh A | title=Researchers knock down gastro bug myths | date=2009-03-02 | publisher=ABC Science Online | access-date=2009-03-02 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303090746/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/02/2504466.htm | archive-date=3 March 2009 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=Lyras2009>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lyras D, O'Connor JR, Howarth PM, Sambol SP, Carter GP, Phumoonna T, Poon R, Adams V, Vedantam G, Johnson S, Gerding DN, Rood JI | title = Toxin B is essential for virulence of Clostridium difficile | journal = Nature | volume = 458 | issue = 7242 | pages = 1176–9 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19252482 | pmc = 2679968 | doi = 10.1038/nature07822 | bibcode = 2009Natur.458.1176L }}</ref> Not testing for both may contribute to a delay in obtaining laboratory results, which is often the cause of prolonged illness and poor outcomes.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

=== Other stool tests ===
Stool [[leukocyte]] measurements and stool [[lactoferrin]] levels also have been proposed as diagnostic tests, but may have limited diagnostic accuracy.<ref name=Vaishnavi_2000>{{cite journal | vauthors = Vaishnavi C, Bhasin D, Kochhar R, Singh K | title = Clostridium difficile toxin and faecal lactoferrin assays in adult patients | journal = Microbes and Infection | volume = 2 | issue = 15 | pages = 1827–30 | date = December 2000 | pmid = 11165926 | doi = 10.1016/S1286-4579(00)01343-5 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ===

Testing of stool samples by [[real-time polymerase chain reaction]] can detect ''C. difficile'' about 93% of the time, and when positive is incorrectly positive about 3% of the time.<ref name=Chen2017>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chen S, Gu H, Sun C, Wang H, Wang J | s2cid = 30286964 | title = Rapid detection of Clostridium difficile toxins and laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infections | journal = Infection | volume = 45 | issue = 3 | pages = 255–262 | date = June 2017 | pmid = 27601055 | doi = 10.1007/s15010-016-0940-9 }}</ref> This is more accurate than cytotoxigenic culture or cell cytotoxicity assay.<ref name=Chen2017/> Another benefit is that the result can be achieved within three hours.<ref name=Chen2017/> Drawbacks include a higher cost and the fact that the test only looks for the gene for the toxin and not the toxin itself.<ref name=Chen2017/> The latter means that if the test is used without confirmation, overdiagnosis may occur.<ref name=Chen2017/> Repeat testing may be misleading, and testing specimens more than once every seven days in people without new symptoms is highly unlikely to yield useful information.<ref>JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, October 2010, p. 3738–3741</ref> The screening specificity is relatively low because of the high number of false positive cases from asymptomatic infection.<ref name=":1" />

== Prevention ==

Self containment by housing people in private rooms is important to prevent the spread of ''C. difficile''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/cdiff/Cdiff_tagged.pdf|title=FAQs (frequently asked questions) "Clostridium Difficile"|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207162256/http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/cdiff/Cdiff_tagged.pdf|archive-date=7 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Contact precautions are an important part of preventing the spread of &nbsp;C. difficile. C. difficile does not often occur in people who are not taking antibiotics, so limiting the use of antibiotics decreases the risk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff-patient.html|title=Clostridium difficile Infection Information for Patients {{pipe}} HAI {{pipe}} CDC|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=2016-12-18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216143416/https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff-patient.html|archive-date=16 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Antibiotics ===
The most effective method for preventing CDI is proper [[antibiotic]] prescribing. In the hospital setting, where CDI is most common, most people who develop CDI are exposed to antibiotics. Although proper antibiotic prescribing is highly recommended, about 50% is considered inappropriate. This is consistent whether in the hospital, clinic, community, or academic setting. A decrease in CDI by limiting antibiotics or by limiting unnecessary prescriptions in general, both in an outbreak and non-outbreak setting, has been demonstrated to be most strongly associated with reduced CDI. Further, reactions to medication may be severe: CDI infections were the most common contributor to adverse drug events seen in U.S. hospitals in 2011.<ref>Weiss AJ, Elixhauser A. Origin of Adverse Drug Events in U.S. Hospitals, 2011. HCUP Statistical Brief #158. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. July 2013. {{cite web |url=http://hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb158.jsp |title=Origin of Adverse Drug Events in U.S. Hospitals, 2011 - Statistical Brief #158 |access-date=2016-02-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407104449/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb158.jsp |archive-date=7 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In some regions of the UK, reduced used of [[fluoroquinolone]] antibiotics seems to lead to reduced rates of CDI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://primeinc.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206103958/http://www.medpagetoday.com/gastroenterology/generalgastroenterology/62719|url-status=dead|title=PRIME® Continuing Medical Education|archivedate=6 February 2017|website=primeinc.org}}</ref>

=== Probiotics ===
Some evidence indicates [[probiotics]] may be useful to prevent infection and recurrence.<ref name="springerlink">{{cite journal | vauthors = Heineman J, Bubenik S, McClave S, Martindale R | s2cid = 22813174 | title = Fighting fire with fire: is it time to use probiotics to manage pathogenic bacterial diseases? | journal = Current Gastroenterology Reports | volume = 14 | issue = 4 | pages = 343–8 | date = August 2012 | pmid = 22763792 | doi = 10.1007/s11894-012-0274-4 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name=John2012>{{cite journal | vauthors = Johnston BC, Ma SS, Goldenberg JZ, Thorlund K, Vandvik PO, Loeb M, Guyatt GH | s2cid = 72364505 | title = Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 157 | issue = 12 | pages = 878–88 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 23362517 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-157-12-201212180-00563 }}</ref> Treatment with ''[[Saccharomyces boulardii]]'' in those who are not immunocompromised with ''C. difficile'' also may be useful.<ref name=Na2011>{{cite journal | vauthors = Na X, Kelly C | title = Probiotics in clostridium difficile Infection | journal = Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology | volume = 45 | issue = Suppl | pages = S154-8 | date = November 2011 | pmid = 21992956 | pmc = 5322762 | doi = 10.1097/MCG.0b013e31822ec787 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = McFarland LV | title = Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and the treatment of Clostridium difficile disease | journal = The American Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 101 | issue = 4 | pages = 812–22 | date = April 2006 | doi = 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2006.00465.x | pmid = 16635227 | s2cid = 7557917 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1230694 | type = Submitted manuscript | access-date = 4 July 2019 | archive-date = 28 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200728163339/https://zenodo.org/record/1230694 | url-status = live }}</ref> Initially, in 2010, the [[Infectious Diseases Society of America]] recommended against their use due to the risk of complications.<ref name="springerlink" /><ref name=Na2011 /> Subsequent reviews, however, did not find an increase in adverse effects with treatment,<ref name=John2012 /> and overall treatment appears safe and moderately effective in preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Goldenberg JZ, Yap C, Lytvyn L, Lo CK, Beardsley J, Mertz D, Johnston BC | title = Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2017 | pages = CD006095 | date = December 2017 | issue = 12 | pmid = 29257353 | pmc = 6486212 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD006095.pub4 }}</ref>

One study in particular found that there does appear to be a "protective effect" of probiotics, specifically reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by 51% in 3,631 outpatients, but it is important to note that the types of infections in the subjects were not specified.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Blaabjerg S, Artzi DM, Aabenhus R | title = Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Outpatients-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Antibiotics | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | pages = 21 | date = October 2017 | pmid = 29023420 | pmc = 5745464 | doi = 10.3390/antibiotics6040021 | doi-access = free }}</ref> 

=== Infection control ===
Rigorous infection protocols are required to minimize the risk of transmission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008071549/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736/DSECTION%3Dprevention|url-status=dead|title=C. difficile infection - Symptoms and causes|archivedate=8 October 2013|website=Mayo Clinic}}</ref> Infection control measures, such as wearing gloves and noncritical medical devices used for a single person with CDI, are effective at prevention.<ref name=Dubb2014>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dubberke ER, Carling P, Carrico R, Donskey CJ, Loo VG, McDonald LC, Maragakis LL, Sandora TJ, Weber DJ, Yokoe DS, Gerding DN | title = Strategies to prevent Clostridium difficile infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 Update | journal = Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology | volume = 35 | issue = 6 | pages = 628–45 | date = June 2014 | pmid = 24799639 | doi = 10.1086/676023 | s2cid = 32258582 | url = https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/open_access_pubs/2926 | type = Submitted manuscript | access-date = 4 November 2018 | archive-date = 1 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801012841/https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/open_access_pubs/2926/ | url-status = live | url-access = subscription }}</ref> This works by limiting the spread of ''C. difficile'' in the hospital setting. In addition, washing with soap and water will wash away the spores from contaminated hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Roehr B |title=Alcohol Rub, Antiseptic Wipes Inferior at Removing ''Clostridium difficile'' |date=21 September 2007 |publisher=Medscape |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563232 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030025331/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563232 |archive-date=30 October 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> These precautions should remain in place among those in hospital for at least 2 days after the diarrhea has stopped.<ref name=Ban2018>{{cite journal | vauthors = Banach DB, Bearman G, Barnden M, Hanrahan JA, Leekha S, Morgan DJ, Murthy R, Munoz-Price LS, Sullivan KV, Popovich KJ, Wiemken TL | title = Duration of Contact Precautions for Acute-Care Settings | journal = Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology | volume = 39 | issue = 2 | pages = 127–144 | date = February 2018 | pmid = 29321078 | doi = 10.1017/ice.2017.245 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Bleach wipes containing 0.55% [[sodium hypochlorite]] have been shown to kill the spores and prevent transmission.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Savidge TC, Urvil P, Oezguen N, Ali K, Choudhury A, Acharya V, Pinchuk I, Torres AG, English RD, Wiktorowicz JE, Loeffelholz M, Kumar R, Shi L, Nie W, Braun W, Herman B, Hausladen A, Feng H, Stamler JS, Pothoulakis C | title = Host S-nitrosylation inhibits clostridial small molecule-activated glucosylating toxins | journal = Nature Medicine | volume = 17 | issue = 9 | pages = 1136–41 | date = August 2011 | pmid = 21857653 | pmc = 3277400 | doi = 10.1038/nm.2405 }}</ref> Installing lidded toilets and closing the lid before flushing also reduces the risk of contamination.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Laidman J |title=Flush With Germs: Lidless Toilets Spread ''C. difficile'' |date=29 December 2011 |publisher=Medscape |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/756189 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420144825/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/756189 |archive-date=20 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Those who have CDIs should be in rooms with other people with CDIs or by themselves when in the hospital.<ref name=Dubb2014 />

Common hospital [[disinfectant]]s are ineffective against ''C. difficile'' spores, and may promote spore formation, but various [[oxidant]]s   (e.g., 1% sodium [[hypochlorite]] solution) rapidly destroy spores.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4871840.stm | title=Cleaning agents 'make bug strong' | publisher=BBC News Online | date=2006-04-03 | access-date=2008-11-17 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108192447/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4871840.stm | archive-date=8 November 2006 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Vaporized hydrogen peroxide|Hydrogen peroxide vapor]] (HPV) systems used to sterilize a room after treatment is completed have been shown to reduce infection rates and to reduce risk of infection to others. The incidence of CDI was reduced by 53%<ref name="pmid18636950">{{cite journal | vauthors = Boyce JM, Havill NL, Otter JA, McDonald LC, Adams NM, Cooper T, Thompson A, Wiggs L, Killgore G, Tauman A, Noble-Wang J | title = Impact of hydrogen peroxide vapor room decontamination on Clostridium difficile environmental contamination and transmission in a healthcare setting | journal = Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology | volume = 29 | issue = 8 | pages = 723–729 | date = August 2008 | pmid = 18636950 | doi = 10.1086/589906 | s2cid = 25070569 }}</ref> or 42%<ref name="pmid23219675">{{cite journal | vauthors = Manian FA, Griesnauer S, Bryant A | title = Implementation of hospital-wide enhanced terminal cleaning of targeted patient rooms and its impact on endemic Clostridium difficile infection rates | journal = American Journal of Infection Control | volume = 41 | issue = 6 | pages = 537–41 | date = June 2013 | pmid = 23219675 | doi = 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.06.014 }}</ref> through use of HPV. Ultraviolet cleaning devices, and housekeeping staff especially dedicated to disinfecting the rooms of people with ''C. difficile'' after discharge, may be effective.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality |url=https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/performance-feedback-ultraviolet-cleaning-device-and-dedicated-housekeeping-team |title=Performance Feedback, Ultraviolet Cleaning Device, and Dedicated Housekeeping Team Significantly Improve Room Cleaning, Reduce Potential for Spread of Common, Dangerous Infection |date=2014-01-15 |access-date=2014-01-20 |archive-date=9 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909052314/https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/performance-feedback-ultraviolet-cleaning-device-and-dedicated-housekeeping-team |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Treatment ==
Carrying ''C. difficile'' without symptoms is common. Treatment in those without symptoms is controversial. In general, mild cases do not require specific treatment.<ref name="Coc2017" /><ref name=Sherris /> [[Oral rehydration therapy]] is useful in treating dehydration associated with diarrhea.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

=== Medications ===
Several different antibiotics are used for ''C. difficile'', with the available agents being more or less equally effective.<ref name=Butler2011>{{cite journal | vauthors = Drekonja DM, Butler M, MacDonald R, Bliss D, Filice GA, Rector TS, Wilt TJ | title = Comparative effectiveness of Clostridium difficile treatments: a systematic review | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 155 | issue = 12 | pages = 839–47 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 22184691 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-155-12-201112200-00007 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

[[Vancomycin]] or [[fidaxomicin]] by mouth is typically recommended for mild, moderate, and severe infections.<ref name="IDSA2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = McDonald LC, Gerding DN, Johnson S, Bakken JS, Carroll KC, Coffin SE, Dubberke ER, Garey KW, Gould CV, Kelly C, Loo V, Shaklee Sammons J, Sandora TJ, Wilcox MH | title = Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: 2017 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) | journal = Clinical Infectious Diseases | volume = 66 | issue = 7 | pages = 987–994 | date = March 2018 | pmid = 29562266 | doi = 10.1093/cid/ciy149 | doi-access = free | pmc = 6018983 }}</ref> They are also the first-line treatment for pregnant women, especially since metronidazole may cause birth defects.<ref name=Sure2013>{{cite journal | vauthors = Surawicz CM, Brandt LJ, Binion DG, Ananthakrishnan AN, Curry SR, Gilligan PH, McFarland LV, Mellow M, Zuckerbraun BS | s2cid = 54629762 | title = Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Clostridium difficile infections | journal = The American Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 108 | issue = 4 | pages = 478–98; quiz 499 | date = April 2013 | pmid = 23439232 | doi = 10.1038/ajg.2013.4 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Typical vancomycin 125&nbsp;mg is taken four times a day by mouth for 10 days.<ref name=Sure2013 /><ref name="Kelly Fischer Allegretti LaPlante pp. 1124–1147"/> Fidaxomicin is taken at 200&nbsp;mg twice daily for 10 days.<ref name="Kelly Fischer Allegretti LaPlante pp. 1124–1147"/> It may also be given rectally if the person develops an [[ileus]].<ref name=IDSA2018/>

Fidaxomicin is tolerated as well as vancomycin,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cornely OA | title = Current and emerging management options for Clostridium difficile infection: what is the role of fidaxomicin? | journal = Clinical Microbiology and Infection | volume = 18 | issue = Suppl 6 | pages = 28–35 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 23121552 | doi = 10.1111/1469-0691.12012 | doi-access = free }}</ref> and may have a lower risk of recurrence.<ref name=Butler2011/> Fidaxomicin is as effective as vancomycin in those with mild to moderate disease, and it may be better than vancomycin in those with severe disease.<ref name="Coc2017" /><ref name=Craw2012>{{cite journal | vauthors = Crawford T, Huesgen E, Danziger L | title = Fidaxomicin: a novel macrocyclic antibiotic for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection | journal = American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | volume = 69 | issue = 11 | pages = 933–43 | date = June 2012 | pmid = 22610025 | doi = 10.2146/ajhp110371 }}</ref> Fidaxomicin may be used in those who have recurrent infections and have not responded to other antibiotics.<ref name=Craw2012/> [[Metronidazole]] (500&nbsp;mg 3 times daily for 10 days<ref name="Kelly Fischer Allegretti LaPlante pp. 1124–1147"/>) by mouth is recommended as an alternative treatment only for ''C. difficile'' infections when the affected person is [[allergic]] to first-line treatments, is unable to tolerate them, or has financial difficulties preventing them from accessing them.<ref name=IDSA2018/><ref name="Rao2020">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rao K, Malani PN | title = Diagnosis and Treatment of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Infection in Adults in 2020 | journal = JAMA | volume = 323 | issue = 14 | pages = 1403–1404 | date = March 2020 | pmid = 32150234 | doi = 10.1001/jama.2019.3849 | s2cid = 212638928 }}</ref> In fulminant disease vancomycin by mouth and intravenous metronidazole are commonly used together.<ref name=IDSA2018/>

Medications used to slow or stop [[diarrhea]], such as [[loperamide]], may only be used after initiating the treatment.<ref name="Kelly Fischer Allegretti LaPlante pp. 1124–1147">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kelly CR, Fischer M, Allegretti JR, LaPlante K, Stewart DB, Limketkai BN, Stollman NH | title = ACG Clinical Guidelines: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infections | journal = The American Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 116 | issue = 6 | pages = 1124–1147 | date = June 2021 | pmid = 34003176 | doi = 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001278 | publisher = Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) | s2cid = 234768271 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

[[Cholestyramine]], an [[ion-exchange resin]], is effective in binding both toxin A and B, slowing bowel motility, and helping prevent dehydration.<ref name=Stroehlein_2004>{{cite journal | vauthors = Stroehlein JR | s2cid = 25356792 | title = Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection | journal = Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 235–239 | date = June 2004 | pmid = 15149585 | doi = 10.1007/s11938-004-0044-y }}</ref> Cholestyramine is recommended with vancomycin. A last-resort treatment in those who are immunosuppressed is [[intravenous immunoglobulin]].<ref name=Stroehlein_2004 /> Monoclonal antibodies against [[Clostridium difficile toxin A|''C. difficile'' toxin A]] and [[Clostridium difficile toxin B|''C. difficile'' toxin B]] are approved to prevent recurrence of ''C. difficile'' infection including [[bezlotoxumab]].<ref name="FDA Approves">{{cite web |url=http://www.mercknewsroom.com/news-release/corporate-news/fda-approves-mercks-zinplava-bezlotoxumab-reduce-recurrence-clostridium- |title=Merck Newsroom Home |access-date=2016-11-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103220437/http://www.mercknewsroom.com/news-release/corporate-news/fda-approves-mercks-zinplava-bezlotoxumab-reduce-recurrence-clostridium- |archive-date=3 November 2016 |df=dmy-all }}, FDA Approves Merck's ZINPLAVA (bezlotoxumab) to Reduce Recurrence of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) in Adult Patients Receiving Antibacterial Drug Treatment for CDI Who Are at High Risk of CDI Recurrence</ref>

=== Probiotics ===
Evidence to support the use of probiotics in the treatment of active disease is insufficient.<ref name=Na2011 /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bauer MP, van Dissel JT, Kuijper EJ | s2cid = 24040330 | title = Clostridium difficile: controversies and approaches to management | journal = Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases | volume = 22 | issue = 6 | pages = 517–24 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19738464 | doi = 10.1097/QCO.0b013e32833229ce }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pillai A, Nelson R | title = Probiotics for treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated colitis in adults | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 1 | pages = CD004611 | date = January 2008 | pmid = 18254055 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004611.pub2 | veditors = Pillai A }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wilkins T, Sequoia J | title = Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Summary of the Evidence | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 96 | issue = 3 | pages = 170–178 | date = August 2017 | pmid = 28762696 | quote = however, there are conflicting results for C. difficile infection. }}</ref> Researchers have recently begun taking a mechanical approach to fecal-derived products. It is known that certain microbes with 7α-dehydroxylase activity can metabolize primary to secondary bile acids, which inhibit C. difficile. Thus, incorporating such microbes into therapeutic products such as probiotics may be protective, although more pre-clinical investigations are needed.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rao K, Young VB, Malani PN | title = Capsules for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: The New Way Forward or a Tough Pill to Swallow? | journal = JAMA | volume = 318 | issue = 20 | pages = 1979–1980 | date = November 2017 | pmid = 29183052 | pmc = 6561340 | doi = 10.1001/jama.2017.17969 }}</ref>

=== Fecal microbiota transplantation ===
[[Fecal microbiota transplant]], also known as a stool transplant, is roughly 85% to 90% effective in those for whom antibiotics have not worked.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Baunwall SM, Lee MM, Eriksen MK, Mullish BH, Marchesi JR, Dahlerup JF, Hvas CL | title = Faecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent ''Clostridioides difficile'' infection: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis | language = English | journal = eClinicalMedicine | volume = 29-30 | pages = 100642 | date = December 2020 | pmid = 33437951 | pmc = 7788438 | doi = 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100642 }}</ref><ref name=Burke2013>{{cite journal | vauthors = Burke KE, Lamont JT | title = Fecal transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in older adults: a review | journal = Journal of the American Geriatrics Society | volume = 61 | issue = 8 | pages = 1394–1398 | date = August 2013 | pmid = 23869970 | doi = 10.1111/jgs.12378 | s2cid = 34998497 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name=Dre2015>{{cite journal | vauthors = Drekonja D, Reich J, Gezahegn S, Greer N, Shaukat A, MacDonald R, Rutks I, Wilt TJ | title = Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridium difficile Infection: A Systematic Review | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 162 | issue = 9 | pages = 630–638 | date = May 2015 | pmid = 25938992 | doi = 10.7326/m14-2693 | s2cid = 1307726 }}</ref> It involves infusion of the microbiota acquired from the feces of a healthy donor to reverse the bacterial imbalance responsible for the recurring nature of the infection.<ref name="pmid23323867">{{cite journal | vauthors = van Nood E, Vrieze A, Nieuwdorp M, Fuentes S, Zoetendal EG, de Vos WM, Visser CE, Kuijper EJ, Bartelsman JF, Tijssen JG, Speelman P, Dijkgraaf MG, Keller JJ | title = Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 368 | issue = 5 | pages = 407–415 | date = January 2013 | pmid = 23323867 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa1205037 | s2cid = 25879411 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The procedure replenishes the normal colonic microbiota that had been wiped out by antibiotics, and re-establishes resistance to colonization by ''Clostridioides difficile''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = de Vrieze J | title = Medical research. The promise of poop | journal = Science | volume = 341 | issue = 6149 | pages = 954–957 | date = August 2013 | pmid = 23990540 | doi = 10.1126/science.341.6149.954 }}</ref> Side effects, at least initially, are few.<ref name=Dre2015 />

[[Fecal microbiota, live]] (Rebyota) was approved for medical use in the United States in November 2022.<ref name="Ferring PR">{{cite news | title=Ferring Receives U.S. FDA Approval for Rebyota (fecal microbiota, live-jslm) – A Novel First-in-Class Microbiota-Based Live Biotherapeutic | website=Ferring Pharmaceuticals USA | date=1 December 2022 | url=https://ferringusa.com/?press=ferring-receives-u-s-fda-approval-for-rebyota-fecal-microbiota-live-jslm-a-novel-first-in-class-microbiota-based-live-biotherapeutic | access-date=1 December 2022 | archive-date=1 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201050237/https://ferringusa.com/?press=ferring-receives-u-s-fda-approval-for-rebyota-fecal-microbiota-live-jslm-a-novel-first-in-class-microbiota-based-live-biotherapeutic | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Fecal microbiota spores, live]] (Vowst) was approved for medical use in the United States in April 2023.<ref name="FDA PR 20230427">{{cite press release | title=FDA Approves First Orally Administered Fecal Microbiota Product for the Prevention of Recurrence of Clostridioides difficile Infection | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=26 April 2023 | url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-orally-administered-fecal-microbiota-product-prevention-recurrence-clostridioides | access-date=27 April 2023 | archive-date=26 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426230158/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-orally-administered-fecal-microbiota-product-prevention-recurrence-clostridioides | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title=Seres Therapeutics and Nestlé Health Science Announce FDA Approval of Vowst (fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk) for Prevention of Recurrence of C. difficile Infection in Adults Following Antibacterial Treatment for Recurrent CDI | publisher=Seres Therapeutics | via= Business Wire | date=26 April 2023 | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230426006066/en/ | access-date=27 April 2023}}</ref> It is the first fecal microbiota product that is taken [[by mouth]].<ref name="FDA PR 20230427" /> A 2023 review article discusses the beneficial effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent ''Clostridioides difficile'' infection <ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yadegar A, Pakpoor S, Ibrahim FF, Nabavi-Rad A, Cook L, Walter J, Seekatz AM, Wong K, Monaghan TM, Kao D | title = Beneficial effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection | journal = Cell Host & Microbe | volume = 31 | issue = 5 | pages = 695–711 | date = May 2023 | pmid = 37167952 | doi = 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.019 | doi-access = free | pmc = 10966711 }}</ref>

=== Surgery ===
In those with severe ''C. difficile'' colitis, [[colectomy]] may improve the outcomes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bhangu A, Nepogodiev D, Gupta A, Torrance A, Singh P | title = Systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes following emergency surgery for Clostridium difficile colitis | journal = The British Journal of Surgery | volume = 99 | issue = 11 | pages = 1501–13 | date = November 2012 | pmid = 22972525 | doi = 10.1002/bjs.8868 | s2cid = 42729589 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Specific criteria may be used to determine who will benefit most from surgery.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Osman KA, Ahmed MH, Hamad MA, Mathur D | s2cid = 27187695 | title = Emergency colectomy for fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis: Striking the right balance | journal = Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 46 | issue = 10 | pages = 1222–7 | date = October 2011 | pmid = 21843039 | doi = 10.3109/00365521.2011.605469 }}</ref>

===Recurrent infection===
Recurrent CDI occurs in 20 to 30% of the patients, with increasing rates of recurrence with each subsequent episode.<ref name="pmid18971494">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kelly CP, LaMont JT | title = Clostridium difficile--more difficult than ever | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 359 | issue = 18 | pages = 1932–40 | date = October 2008 | pmid = 18971494 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra0707500  }}</ref> In clinical settings, it is virtually impossible to distinguish a recurrence that develops as a relapse of the same strain versus reinfection resulting from a new strain.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} However, in laboratory settings, paired isolates can be differentiated using [[Whole genome sequencing|whole-genome sequencing]] or [[Multiple loci VNTR analysis|multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Eyre DW, Fawley WN, Best EL, Griffiths D, Stoesser NE, Crook DW, Peto TE, Walker AS, Wilcox MH | title = Comparison of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and whole-genome sequencing for investigation of Clostridium difficile transmission | journal = Journal of Clinical Microbiology | volume = 51 | issue = 12 | pages = 4141–4149 | date = December 2013 | pmid = 24108611 | pmc = 3838059 | doi = 10.1128/JCM.01095-13 }}</ref>

Several treatment options exist for recurrent ''C. difficile'' infection. For the first episode of recurrent ''C. difficile'' infection, the 2017 IDSA guidelines recommend oral vancomycin at a dose of 125&nbsp;mg four times daily for 10 days if metronidazole was used for the initial episode. If oral vancomycin was used for the initial episode, then a prolonged oral vancomycin pulse dose of 125&nbsp;mg four times daily for 10–14 days followed by a taper (twice daily for one week, then every two to three days for 2–8 weeks) or fidaxomicin 200&nbsp;mg twice daily for 10 days. For a second recurrent episode, the IDSA recommends options including the aforementioned oral vancomycin pulse dose followed by the prolonged taper; oral vancomycin 125&nbsp;mg four times daily for 10 days followed by [[rifaximin]] 400&nbsp;mg three times daily for 20 days; fidaxomicin 200&nbsp;mg twice daily for 10 days, or a fecal microbiota transplant.<ref name="Rao2020"/>

For patients with C. diff infections that fail to resolve with traditional antibiotic regimens, fecal microbiota transplants have an average cure rate of >90%.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rohlke |first1=Faith |last2=Stollman |first2=Neil |date=November 2012 |title=Fecal microbiota transplantation in relapsing Clostridium difficile infection |journal=Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology |language=en |volume=5 |issue=6 |pages=403–420 |doi=10.1177/1756283X12453637 |issn=1756-2848 |pmc=3491681 |pmid=23152734}}</ref> In a review of 317 patients, it was shown to lead to resolution in 92% of the persistent and recurrent disease cases.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cole |first1=Shola A. |last2=Stahl |first2=Thomas J. |date=June 2015 |title=Persistent and Recurrent Clostridium difficile Colitis |journal=Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery |language=en |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=065–069 |doi=10.1055/s-0035-1547333 |issn=1531-0043 |pmc=4442717 |pmid=26034401}}</ref> It is clear that restoration of gut flora is paramount in the struggle against recurrent CDI. With effective antibiotic therapy, C. difficile can be reduced, and natural colonization resistance can develop over time as the natural microbial community recovers. Reinfection or recurrence may occur before this process is complete. Fecal microbiota transplant may expedite this recovery by directly replacing the missing microbial community members.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dieterle |first1=Michael G. |last2=Rao |first2=Krishna |last3=Young |first3=Vincent B. |date=January 2019 |title=Novel therapies and preventative strategies for primary and recurrent Clostridium difficile infections |journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |language=en |volume=1435 |issue=1 |pages=110–138 |doi=10.1111/nyas.13958 |issn=0077-8923 |pmc=6312459 |pmid=30238983|bibcode=2019NYASA1435..110D }}</ref> However, human-derived fecal matter is difficult to standardize and has multiple potential risks, including the transfer of infectious material and long-term consequences of inoculating the gut with a foreign fecal material. As a result, further research is necessary to study the long-term effective outcomes of FMT.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

== Prognosis ==
After a first treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin, ''C. difficile'' recurs in approximately 20% of people. This increases to 40% and 60% with subsequent recurrences.<ref name=Kelly2008>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kelly CP, LaMont JT | title = Clostridium difficile--more difficult than ever | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 359 | issue = 18 | pages = 1932–40 | date = October 2008 | pmid = 18971494 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra0707500 }}</ref>

== Epidemiology ==
''C. difficile'' diarrhea is estimated to occur in eight of 100,000 people each year.<ref name=5min2014 /> Among those who are admitted to the hospital, it occurs in between four and eight people per 1,000.<ref name=5min2014>{{cite book| veditors = Domino FJ, Baldor RA |title=The 5-minute clinical consult 2014|date=2014|publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|location=Philadelphia|isbn=978-1-4511-8850-9|pages = 258|edition=22nd|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2C2MAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA258|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908204843/https://books.google.com/books?id=2C2MAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA258|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2011, it resulted in about half a million infections and 29,000 deaths in the United States.<ref name=Lessa2015/>

Due in part to the emergence of a [[fluoroquinolone]]-resistant strain, ''C. difficile''-related deaths increased 400% between 2000 and 2007 in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#pages |title=Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, 2013 |date=2013 |publisher=US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |access-date=3 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141117113220/http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#pages |archive-date=17 November 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> According to the CDC, "''C. difficile''&nbsp;has become the most common microbial cause of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals and costs up to $4.8 billion each year in excess health care costs for acute care facilities alone."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health/hospital-acquired-infections/index.htm|title=Hospital Acquired Infections Are a Serious Risk - Consumer Reports|website=www.consumerreports.org|access-date=2016-12-18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210183700/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health/hospital-acquired-infections/index.htm|archive-date=10 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== History ==
Ivan C. Hall and Elizabeth O'Toole first named the bacterium ''Bacillus difficilis'' in 1935, choosing its specific epithet because it was resistant to early attempts at isolation and grew very slowly in culture.<ref name=Kelly2008 /><ref name=Hall_1935>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hall IC, O'Toole E | title = Intestinal flora in newborn infants with a description of a new pathogenic anaerobe, ''Bacillus difficilis'' | journal = [[Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine|American Journal of Diseases of Children]] | year = 1935 | volume = 49 | issue = 2 | pages = 390–402 | doi = 10.1001/archpedi.1935.01970020105010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> [[André Romain Prévot]] subsequently transferred it to ''[[Clostridium]]'',  binomen ''Clostridium difficile''.<ref name="Prevot, 1938">{{cite journal |vauthors=Prévot AR |title=Études de systématique bactérienne. IV. Critique de la conception actuelle du genre ''Clostridium'' |journal=Annales de l'Institut Pasteur |date=1938 |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=84 |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5846341v/f79.item |access-date=26 December 2018 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728175046/https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5846341v/f79.item |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | veditors = De Vos P, Garrity GM, Jones D, Krieg NR, Ludwig W, Rainey FA, Schleifer K, Whitman WB |series=Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology |volume=3|title=The ''Firmicutes''|date=2009 |publisher=Springer |location=Dordrecht |isbn=978-0-387-68489-5 |edition=2nd |chapter=Family I. ''Clostridiaceae''|pages = 771}}</ref> Its combination was later changed to ''Clostridioides difficile'' after being transferred to the new genus ''[[Clostridioides]]''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lawson PA, Citron DM, Tyrrell KL, Finegold SM | title = Reclassification of Clostridium difficile as Clostridioides difficile (Hall and O'Toole 1935) Prévot 1938 | journal = Anaerobe | volume = 40 | pages = 95–9 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27370902 | doi = 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.06.008 }}</ref>

Pseudomembranous colitis first was described as a complication of ''C. difficile'' infection in 1978,<ref name=Larson_1978>{{cite journal | vauthors = Larson HE, Price AB, Honour P, Borriello SP | s2cid = 2502330 | title = Clostridium difficile and the aetiology of pseudomembranous colitis | journal = Lancet | volume = 1 | issue = 8073 | pages = 1063–6 | date = May 1978 | pmid = 77366 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(78)90912-1 }}</ref> when a toxin was isolated from people with pseudomembranous colitis and [[Koch's postulates]] were met.

=== Notable outbreaks ===
* On 4 June 2003, two outbreaks of a highly virulent strain of this bacterium were reported in [[Montreal, Quebec]] and [[Calgary, Alberta]]. Sources put the death count to as low as 36 and as high as 89, with around 1,400 cases in 2003 and within the first few months of 2004. CDIs continued to be a problem in the Quebec healthcare system in late 2004. As of March 2005, it had spread into the [[Toronto]] area, hospitalizing 10 people. One died while the others were being discharged.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
* A similar outbreak took place at [[Stoke Mandeville Hospital]] in the [[United Kingdom]] between 2003 and 2005. The local [[epidemiology]] of ''C. difficile'' may offer clues on how its spread may relate to the time a patient spends in a hospital and/or a rehabilitation center. It also samples the ability of institutions to detect increased rates, and their capacity to respond with more aggressive hand-washing campaigns, quarantine methods, and the availability of yogurt containing live cultures to patients at risk for infection.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
* Both the Canadian and English outbreaks were possibly related to the seemingly more virulent strain NAP1/027 of the bacterium.  Known as the Quebec strain, it has been implicated in an epidemic at two Dutch hospitals ([[Harderwijk]] and [[Amersfoort]], both in 2005). A theory for explaining the increased virulence of 027 is that it is a hyperproducer of both toxins A and B, and that certain antibiotics may stimulate the bacteria to hyperproduce.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
* On 1 October 2006, ''C. difficile'' was said to have killed at least 49 people at hospitals in [[Leicester]], [[England]], over eight months, according to a [[National Health Service]] investigation. Another 29 similar cases were investigated by [[coroner]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trust confirms 49 superbug deaths |publisher=[[BBC News Online]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/5396800.stm |date=2006-10-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322074234/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/5396800.stm |archive-date=22 March 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A UK Department of Health memo leaked shortly afterward revealed significant concern in government about the bacterium, described as being "endemic throughout the health service"<ref name=hawkes2007>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/leaked-memo-reveals-that-targets-to-beat-mrsa-will-not-be-met-0jpvhfwcz2x |title=Leaked memo reveals that targets to beat MRSA will not be met |vauthors=Hawkes N |date=2007-01-11 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |access-date=2007-01-11 |location=London |format=snippet |archive-date=6 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906154356/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/article1894685.ece |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref>
* On 27 October 2006, nine deaths were attributed to the bacterium in Quebec.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/10/27/2145519.html| title=''C. difficile'' blamed for 9 death in hospital near Montreal| date=27 October 2006| publisher=Canoe.ca| access-date=2007-01-11| url-status=usurped| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708084747/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/10/27/2145519.html| archive-date=8 July 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* On 18 November 2006, the bacterium was reported to have been responsible for 12 deaths in Quebec. This 12th reported death was only two days after St. Hyacinthe's Honoré Mercier announced the outbreak was under control. Thirty-one people were diagnosed with CDIs. Cleaning crews took measures in an attempt to clear the outbreak.<ref>{{cite news|title=12th person dies of ''C. difficile'' at Quebec hospital |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=18 November 2006 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/12th-person-dies-of-c-difficile-at-quebec-hospital-1.622196 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021130323/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/11/18/difficile-outbreak.html |archive-date=21 October 2007 }}</ref>
* ''C. difficile'' was mentioned on 6,480 death certificates in 2006 in the UK.<ref>[http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=146311&in_page_id=34 Hospitals struck by new killer bug] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520052232/http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=146311&in_page_id=34 |date=20 May 2008 }} An article by Manchester free newspaper 'Metro', 7 May 2008</ref>
* On 27 February 2007, a new outbreak was identified at [[Trillium Health Centre]] in [[Mississauga]], Ontario, where 14 people were diagnosed with CDIs. The bacteria were of the same strain as the one in Quebec. Officials have not been able to determine whether ''C. difficile'' was responsible for the deaths of four people over the prior two months.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-28 |title=C. difficile outbreak linked to fatal strain |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/c-difficile-outbreak-linked-to-fatal-strain-1.231320 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Toronto |language=en}}</ref>
* Between February and June 2007, three people at Loughlinstown Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, were found by the coroner to have died as a result of ''C. difficile'' infection. In an inquest, the Coroner's Court found the hospital had no designated infection control team or consultant microbiologist on staff.<ref>{{cite news |title=Superbug in hospitals linked to four deaths |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=10 October 2007 |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/superbug-in-hospitals-linked-to-four-deaths-1139062.html |access-date=5 November 2007 |archive-date=16 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016041223/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/superbug-in-hospitals-linked-to-four-deaths-1139062.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Between June 2007 and August 2008, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, Antrim Area, Braid Valley, Mid Ulster Hospitals were the subject of inquiry. During the inquiry, expert reviewers concluded that ''C. difficile'' was implicated in 31 of these deaths, as the underlying cause in 15, and as a contributory cause in 16. During that time, the review also noted 375 instances of CDIs in those being treated at the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdiffinquiry.org/index.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030738/http://www.cdiffinquiry.org/index.htm|url-status=dead|title="Welcome to the Public Inquiry into the Outbreak of ''Clostridium difficile'' in Northern Trust Hospitals"|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref>
* In October 2007, [[Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust]] was heavily criticized by the [[Healthcare Commission]] regarding its handling of a major outbreak of ''C. difficile'' in its hospitals in [[Kent]] from April 2004 to September 2006. In its report, the Commission estimated approximately 90 people "definitely or probably" died as a result of the infection.<ref name=hcpr2007>{{Citation | author=<!-- staff author --> |date=11 October 2007 |title=Healthcare watchdog finds significant failings in infection control at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust |type=press release |publisher=[[Healthcare Commission]] |location=United Kingdom |archive-date=21 December 2007 |url=http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases.cfm/cit_id/5875/FAArea1/customWidgets.content_view_1/usecache/false |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221000642/http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases.cfm?cit_id=5875&FAArea1=customWidgets.content_view_1&usecache=false }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Health Secretary intervenes in superbug row |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=11 October 2007 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/11/ncdiff611.xml |location=London | vauthors = Smith R, Rayner G, Adams S |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420232805/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Fncdiff611.xml |archive-date=20 April 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* In November 2007, the 027 strain spread into several hospitals in southern Finland, with 10 deaths out of 115 infected people reported on 2007-12-14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/%C3%84rh%C3%A4kk%C3%A4+suolistobakteeri+on+tappanut+jo+kymmenen+potilasta/1135232592793|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215190520/http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/%C3%84rh%C3%A4kk%C3%A4+suolistobakteeri+on+tappanut+jo+kymmenen+potilasta/1135232592793|url-status=dead|title=Ärhäkkä suolistobakteeri on tappanut jo kymmenen potilasta – HS.fi – Kotimaa<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=15 December 2007}}</ref>
* In November 2009, four deaths at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ireland had possible links to CDI. A further 12 people tested positive for infection, and another 20 showed signs of infection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Possible C Diff link to Drogheda deaths |publisher=RTÉ News |date=10 November 2009 |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1110/health.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023214832/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1110/health.html |archive-date=23 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* From February 2009 to February 2010, 199 people at Herlev Hospital in Denmark were suspected of being infected with the 027 strain. In the first half of 2009, 29 people died in hospitals in Copenhagen after they were infected with the bacterium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fogt |first=Lars |date=2010-03-03 |title=199 ramt af dræber-diarre på Herlev Sygehus |url=https://www.bt.dk/sygdomme/199-ramt-af-draeber-diarre-paa-herlev-sygehus |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=www.bt.dk |language=da}}</ref>
* In May 2010, a total of 138 people at four different hospitals in Denmark were infected with the 027 strain,<ref>(Herlev, Amager, Gentofte and Hvidovre)</ref> and there were some isolated occurrences at other hospitals.<ref>[http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article/30384149/ Four hospitals affected by the dangerous bacterium] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705140243/http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article/30384149/ |date= 5 July 2013 }}, TV2 News 7 May 2010</ref>
* In May 2010,  14 fatalities were related to the bacterium in the Australian state of Victoria. Two years later, the same strain of the bacterium was detected in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://3news.co.nz/Deadly-superbug-reaches-NZ/tabid/423/articleID/274618/Default.aspx| publisher= 3 News NZ| title= Deadly superbug reaches NZ| date= 30 October 2012| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140415074534/http://www.3news.co.nz/Deadly-superbug-reaches-NZ/tabid/423/articleID/274618/Default.aspx| archive-date= 15 April 2014| df= dmy-all| access-date= 29 October 2012}}</ref>
* On 28 May 2011, an outbreak in Ontario had been reported, with 26 fatalities as of 24 July 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=C. difficile linked to 26th death in Ontario|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/c-difficile-linked-to-26th-death-in-ontario-1.1121381|access-date=24 July 2011|publisher=CBC News|date=25 July 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724230856/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/07/24/tor-c-difficile-death-stcatharines623.html|archive-date=24 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* In 2012/2013, a total of 27 people at one hospital in the south of Sweden (Ystad) were infected, with 10 deaths. Five died of the strain 017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skane.se/sv/Webbplatser/Lasarettet_i_Ystad/Om_Lasarettet_i_Ystad/Nyheter/Nyheter/10-punkter-for-att-forhindra-smittspridning-i-Region-Skane|title=10 punkter för att förhindra smittspridning i Region Skåne|language=sv|trans-title=10 points to prevent the spread of infection in Region Skåne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305042943/http://www.skane.se/sv/Webbplatser/Lasarettet_i_Ystad/Om_Lasarettet_i_Ystad/Nyheter/Nyheter/10-punkter-for-att-forhindra-smittspridning-i-Region-Skane/|archive-date=5 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Etymology and pronunciation ==
The genus name is from the [[Greek (language)|Greek]] ''klōstēr'' ({{lang|grc|κλωστήρ}}), "spindle",<ref>{{Cite journal| vauthors = Liddell-Scott |title= κλωστήρ |journal=Greek-English Lexicon}}</ref> and the specific name is from [[Latin]] ''difficile'', neuter singular form of ''difficilis'' "difficult, obstinate",<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Cawley K |title=Difficilis |journal=Latin Dictionary and Grammar Aid |url=http://www.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/lookup.pl?stem=Difficilis&ending= |access-date=2013-03-16 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213192306/http://www.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/lookup.pl?stem=Difficilis&ending= |url-status=live }}</ref> [[#History|chosen]] in reference to [[fastidious organism|fastidiousness]] upon culturing.

Regarding the pronunciation of the current and former genus assignments, ''Clostridioides'' is {{IPAc-en|k|l|ɒ|ˌ|s|t|r|ɪ|d|i|ˈ|ɔɪ|d|i|s}} and ''Clostridium'' is {{IPAc-en||k|l|ɒ|ˈ|s|t|r|ɪ|d|i|əm}}. Both genera still have species assigned to them, but this species is now classified in the former. Via the norms of [[binomial nomenclature]], it is understood that the former binomial name of this species is now an alias.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

Regarding the specific name, {{IPAc-en|d|ᵻ|ˈ|f|ɪ|s|ᵻ|l|i}}<ref name="StedmansOnline">{{Citation |publisher=Wolters-Kluwer |title=Stedman's Medical Dictionary |url=https://stedmansonline.com/index |access-date=2019-04-11 |postscript=. |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728175047/https://stedmansonline.com/index |url-status=live }}</ref> is the traditional norm, reflecting how medical English usually pronounces naturalized New Latin words (which in turn largely reflects [[traditional English pronunciation of Latin]]), although a restored pronunciation of {{IPAc-en|d|ᵻ|ˈ|f|ɪ|k|ᵻ|l|eɪ}} is also sometimes used (the [[classical Latin]] pronunciation is reconstructed as {{IPA|la|kloːsˈtrɪdɪ.ũː dɪfˈfɪkɪlɛ|}}). The specific name is also commonly pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˌ|d|iː|f|i|ˈ|s|iː|l}}, as though it were French, which from a [[linguistic prescription|prescriptive]] viewpoint is a "mispronunciation"<ref name="StedmansOnline"/> but from a [[linguistic description|linguistically descriptive]] viewpoint cannot be described as erroneous because it is so widely used among health care professionals; it can be described as "the non-preferred variant" from the viewpoint of sticking most regularly to New Latin in [[binomial nomenclature]], which is also a valid viewpoint, although New Latin specific names contain such a wide array of extra-Latin roots (including surnames and jocular references) that extra-Latin pronunciation is involved anyway (as seen, for example, with ''[[Ba humbugi]]'', ''[[Spongiforma squarepantsii]]'', and hundreds of others).{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

== Research ==
* As of 2019, vaccine candidates providing immunity against [[Clostridium difficile toxin A|''C. difficile'' toxin A]] and [[Clostridium difficile toxin B|''C. difficile'' toxin B]] have advanced the most in clinical research, but do not prevent bacterial colonization.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Broecker F, Wegner E, Seco BM, Kaplonek P, Bräutigam M, Ensser A, Pfister F, Daniel C, Martin CE, Mattner J, Seeberger PH | title = Clostridioides difficile Infections | journal = ACS Chemical Biology | volume = 14 | issue = 12 | pages = 2720–2728 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31692324 | pmc = 6929054 | doi = 10.1021/acschembio.9b00642 }}</ref> A vaccine candidate by [[Pfizer]] was in a phase 3 clinical trial that was estimated to be completed in September 2021 and a vaccine candidate by [[GlaxoSmithKline]] was in a phase 1 clinical trial that was estimated to be completed in July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03090191 |title=Clostridium Difficile Vaccine Efficacy Trial (Clover) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2020-02-21 |website=clinicaltrials.gov |access-date=2020-04-28 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728175413/https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03090191 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04026009 |title=Study of GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Clostridium Difficile Vaccine to Investigate the Safety and Ability to Provoke an Immune Response in the Body When Administered in Healthy Adults Aged 18-45 Years and 50-70 Years |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2020-04-13 |website=clinicaltrials.gov |access-date=2020-04-28 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728163552/https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04026009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* CDA-1 and CDB-1 (also known as MDX-066/MDX-1388 and MBL-CDA1/MBL-CDB1) are an investigational, monoclonal antibody combination co-developed by [[Medarex]] and Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) to target and neutralize ''C. difficile'' toxins A and B, for the treatment of CDI. [[Merck & Co., Inc.]] gained worldwide rights to develop and commercialize CDA-1 and CDB-1 through an exclusive license agreement signed in April 2009. It is intended as an add-on therapy to one of the existing antibiotics to treat CDI.<ref name="Campus">{{cite web|title=op-line data from randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase 2 clinical trial indicate statistically significant reduction in recurrences of CDAD |url=http://www.umassmed.edu/Content.aspx?id=62670 | work = University of Massachusetts Worcester Campus |access-date=2011-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227152634/http://umassmed.edu/Content.aspx?id=62670 |archive-date=27 December 2010 }}</ref><ref name="CenterWatch">{{cite web | title = ''Clostridium Difficile''-Associated Diarrhea | url = http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/results/new-therapies/nmt-details.aspx?CatID=554 | author = CenterWatch | access-date = 2011-08-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929154200/http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/results/new-therapies/nmt-details.aspx?CatID=554 | archive-date = 29 September 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Business">{{cite web | title = MDX 066, MDX 1388 Medarex, University of Massachusetts Medical School clinical data (phase II)(diarrhea) | url = http://business.highbeam.com/436989/article-1G1-193894218/mdx-066-mdx-1388-medarex-university-massachusetts-medical | publisher = Highbeam | access-date = 2011-08-16 | archive-date = 14 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121014202844/http://business.highbeam.com/436989/article-1G1-193894218/mdx-066-mdx-1388-medarex-university-massachusetts-medical | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Nitazoxanide]] is a synthetic nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative indicated as an antiprotozoal agent (FDA-approved for the treatment of infectious diarrhea caused by ''[[Cryptosporidium parvum]]'' and ''[[Giardia lamblia]]'') and also is currently being studied in ''C. difficile'' infections vs. vancomycin.<ref name="Shah-2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shah D, Dang MD, Hasbun R, Koo HL, Jiang ZD, DuPont HL, Garey KW | title = Clostridium difficile infection: update on emerging antibiotic treatment options and antibiotic resistance | journal = Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy | volume = 8 | issue = 5 | pages = 555–64 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20455684 | pmc = 3138198 | doi = 10.1586/eri.10.28 }}</ref>
* [[Rifaximin]],<ref name="Shah-2010" /> is a clinical-stage semisynthetic, rifamycin-based, nonsystemic antibiotic for CDI. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of infectious diarrhea and is being developed by [[Salix Pharmaceuticals]].
* Other drugs for the treatment of CDI are under development and include [[rifalazil]],<ref name="Shah-2010" /> [[tigecycline]],<ref name="Shah-2010" /> [[ramoplanin]],<ref name="Shah-2010" /> [[ridinilazole]], and SQ641.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Moore JH, van Opstal E, Kolling GL, Shin JH, Bogatcheva E, Nikonenko B, Einck L, Phipps AJ, Guerrant RL, Protopopova M, Warren CA | title = Treatment of Clostridium difficile infection using SQ641, a capuramycin analogue, increases post-treatment survival and improves clinical measures of disease in a murine model | journal = The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy | volume = 71 | issue = 5 | pages = 1300–6 | date = May 2016 | pmid = 26832756 | pmc = 4830414 | doi = 10.1093/jac/dkv479 }}</ref>
* Research has studied whether the [[vermiform appendix|appendix]] has any importance in ''C. difficile''. The appendix is thought to have a function of housing good gut flora. In a 2011 study, it was shown that when ''C. difficile'' bacteria were introduced into the gut, the appendix housed cells that strengthened the antibody response. The [[B cell]]s of the appendix migrate, mature, and increase the production of toxin A-specific [[IgA]] and [[Immunoglobulin G|IgG]] [[Antibody|antibodies]], leading to an increased probability of good gut flora surviving against the ''C. difficile'' bacteria.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Barlow A, Muhleman M, Gielecki J, Matusz P, Tubbs RS, Loukas M | title = The vermiform appendix: a review | journal = Clinical Anatomy | volume = 26 | issue = 7 | pages = 833–42 | date = October 2013 | pmid = 23716128 | doi = 10.1002/ca.22269 | s2cid = 30463711 }}</ref>
* Taking non-toxic types of ''C. difficile'' after an infection showed promising results for preventing future infections.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gerding DN, Meyer T, Lee C, Cohen SH, Murthy UK, Poirier A, Van Schooneveld TC, Pardi DS, Ramos A, Barron MA, Chen H, Villano S | title = Administration of spores of nontoxigenic Clostridium difficile strain M3 for prevention of recurrent C. difficile infection: a randomized clinical trial | journal = JAMA | volume = 313 | issue = 17 | pages = 1719–27 | date = May 2015 | pmid = 25942722 | doi = 10.1001/jama.2015.3725 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
* [[Phage therapy|Treatment with bacteriophage]]s directed against specific toxin-producing strains of ''C difficile'' are also being tested.<ref name="Rao2020"/>
* A study in 2017 linked severe disease to [[trehalose]] in the diet.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Collins J, Robinson C, Danhof H, Knetsch CW, van Leeuwen HC, Lawley TD, Auchtung JM, Britton RA | title = Dietary trehalose enhances virulence of epidemic Clostridium difficile | journal = Nature | volume = 553 | issue = 7688 | pages = 291–294 | date = January 2018 | pmid = 29310122 | pmc = 5984069 | doi = 10.1038/nature25178 | bibcode = 2018Natur.553..291C }}</ref>

== Other animals ==
* [[Colitis-X]] (in horses)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Medical condition classification and resources
| DiseasesDB      =
| ICD10           = {{ICD10|A|04|7}}
| ICD9            = {{ICD9|008.45}}
| ICDO            =
| OMIM            =
| MedlinePlus     = 000259
|eMedicineSubj  = med
|eMedicineTopic = 1942
| MeSH            = D004761
| GeneReviewsNBK  =
| GeneReviewsName =
}}
{{Gram-positive bacterial diseases}}
{{Vaccines}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clostridium Difficile}}
[[Category:Conditions diagnosed by stool test]]
[[Category:Diarrhea]]
[[Category:Gut flora bacteria]]
[[Category:Healthcare-associated infections]]
[[Category:Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate]]
[[Category:Wikipedia emergency medicine articles ready to translate]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]