public health enemy
CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE
PUBLIC HEALTH ENEMY
CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE
ALIAS: “C. diff”
DESCRIPTION
Date Discovered: 1935
Type: Gram Positive Spore Forming Rod
Family: Peptostreptococcaceae
Associates: Humans
Area of Attack: Colon
Known Hideouts: Fecal matter
Modus Operandi: Invades the colon and uses toxin to spread.
CAUTION
Usually associated with antibiotic use. Initial infection is usually not detected. Once infection has established, very difficult to resolve. Toxins can lead to life-threatening conditions such as bloodstream infections.
SURVIVAL TIME
6 months
PREVENTION
- Handwashing
- Sporicidal disinfection