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February 10, 2012
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Clostridium Difficile
(C. difficile, C. diff)

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Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Colitis Overview

Clostridium difficile (or C. difficile, C. diff) colitis is a common infection of the colon that is typically associated with the use of antibiotics. It is, therefore, also called antibiotic-associated colitis. Another common name for this condition is pseudomembranous colitis.

Clostridium is a family of bacteria containing several members. Some of the other well known bacteria in this group include Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani, which are the causes of botulism and tetanus, respectively.

There are typically two forms of Clostridium difficile; one is the inactive or non-infectious form, called the spore, and the other is the active and infectious form. The spore form can survive in the environment for a long time, whereas the active form cannot.

Clostridium difficile colonize the intestinal tract by the oral route (mouth), following the disruption of the balance of normal colonic bacteria (normal flora), which is usually due to the use of antibiotics. Although C. diff spores may reside in the active form in the colon of some individuals (carrier state), they can also be ingested in this form (fecal-oral transmission).

After being shed in the stool, C. diff may be found residing in many places, especially in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities.

The common locations of the C. diff include:

  • furniture,

  • bathroom floors,

  • stethoscopes,

  • bedpans,

  • telephones,

  • fingernails,

  • floors,

  • diaper pails,

  • jewelry (rings),

  • infant's rooms,

  • toilet seats, and

  • other objects commonly used by patients and health care professionals.

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Clostridium Difficile Colitis - Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your clostridium difficile colitis (antibiotic-associated colitis, c. difficile colitis)?

Clostridium Difficile Colitis - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms of your clostridium difficile colitis?

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.



Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile, C. diff, Antibiotic Related Colitis)

Abdominal Pain in Children Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for a parent to bring his or her child to medical attention. Evaluation of a "tummy ache" can challenge both parents and the physician.

Possible causes for a child's abdominal pain range from trivial to life-threatening, with little difference in the child's complaints. Fortunately, abdominal pain in a child usually improves quickly. Each parent or caregiver faces the difficulty deciding whether a complaint needs emergency care or not.

Abdominal Pain in Children Causes

  • Infections: Viruses or bacteria can cause abdominal pain, typically from stomach flu or gut flu (called gastroenteritis). Viral infections tend to go away quickly, while bacterial infections may need an antibiotic to get better.

  • Food-related: Food poisoning (which has symptoms like those of stomach/gut flu), food allergies...

Read the Abdominal Pain in Children article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Clostridium Dificile Colitis »

Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus that is responsible for the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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