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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Because individuals with C. difficile colitis are infectious, it is important to eliminate the spread of infection to others. This is best done by careful hand washing by both the infected person and others who come into contact with the individual. Washing hands with soap and water is the recommended approach. The use of alcohol-based disinfecting agents is not recommended since they are as not effective against C. diff spores.

Besides hand washing by everyone in contact with the patient, thorough cleaning of the environment is an important aspect of the prevention of the spread of C. difficile. Hypochlorite based solutions are more effective than other solutions in eliminating C. difficile.

In health care facilities, patients with C. diff infection are usually placed in isolation in order to prevent transmission to other patients. The isolation is discontinued after stool tests show no further evidence of infection (no toxins), or if the patient is doing well enough to return home. Isolation at home is usually not necessary and nor practical.

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