Colitis induced by Clostridioides difficile: Its characteristics, indicators, origins, and additional details
Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. diff, is a germ that can cause colitis, inflammation of the colon. This bacterium is a significant concern, particularly for individuals over 65 years old, those who have recently stayed in a nursing home or healthcare facility, and those with weakened immune systems, as they are at greater risk of a C. diff infection.
In a 2019 study, researchers found no statistically significant correlation between C. diff infections and a person's poop color. However, symptomatic CDI stools are often liquid and have a strong, distinctive odor.
If a C. diff infection occurs, doctors diagnose it by reviewing a person's symptoms and using a stool test. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as fidaxomicin, oral vancomycin, and metronidazole. It's important to note that people with a C. diff infection may stop experiencing symptoms as their infection gets better, but they may still transmit the infection to others.
C. diff colitis can cause serious and life-threatening complications. In severe cases, a person may need a colectomy surgery to prevent C. diff colitis from becoming life-threatening. Severe C. diff colitis can lead to toxic megacolon (enlarged colon), severe intestinal inflammation, sepsis (blood infection), shock, and kidney failure, sometimes necessitating partial or full colectomy surgery.
Approximately 25% of all C. diff infections lead to C. diff colitis. Around 20-25% of people who have had C. diff develop another CDI 2-8 weeks after their initial infection. If a person's C. diff colitis returns two or more times, doctors may offer a fecal microbiota transplant.
Long-term complications and outcomes of C. diff colitis include the risk of recurrent infection, severe colon damage, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and toxic megacolon. Survivors may also face chronic digestive issues, malnutrition, and dehydration. In some cases, recurrent or chronic inflammation from C. diff may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, though this connection requires further research.
It's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of C. diff, as it is highly contagious. People are usually instructed to take these antibiotics for 10 days. If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fever, stomach tenderness, and loss of appetite, it's important to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) and C. difficile Infections (CDI).
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Clostridium difficile colitis (C. difficile infection).
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2021). Clostridioides difficile Infections (CDI).
- UpToDate. (2021). Clostridium difficile infection: Epidemiology, transmission, and risk factors.
- World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). (2021). Clostridium difficile Infection.
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