Clostridium difficile(C. diff.) is A Very Dangerous Infection

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

The potentially dangerous diarrhea bug Clostridium difficile(C. diff.) is making the rounds in the community — outside the hospital setting it once called home.

Each year, C. diff strikes about 500,000 Americans, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes. But anywhere from 15,000 to 180,000 of those cases are now acquired in the community.

Why the huge range? Estimates are based on one-year snapshots of different communities, with no studies tracking cases over time,

C. diff disease can range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening intestinal inflammation known as colitis. The bug produces toxins that destroy the mucosal lining of the gut.

C. diff Risk Factors
Most cases of hospital-acquired C. diff occur in people taking so-called broad-spectrum antibiotics, including clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and penicillins that kill many different types of pathogens.

Spores enter the body through the mouth, which is the entryway for the gastrointestinal tract. The broad-spectrum antibiotics kill “good” bacteria in the gut that keep C. diff. at bay.

Use of antibiotics is also a risk factor for community-acquired C. diff, but not to the same degree. Studies implicate antibiotics in as many as 90% of hospital cases, but fewer than half of community-acquired cases.

Other risk factors include age over 65 and recent discharge from the hospital. You’re at risk for the first few weeks after you get out.

In younger people, underlying medical conditions such as lung disease may increase susceptibility to the bug.

People who have already had a few bouts with C. diff are especially at risk.

Still, the vast majority of cases are spread from human to human.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.