Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions. It is most commonly contracted during hospital stays when broad-spectrum antibiotics eliminate good bacteria in the gut. The spores can survive on surfaces and be transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Diagnosis involves stool tests and scans. Prevention focuses on hand washing, isolation of infected patients, and only using antibiotics when necessary.

1. Clostridium difficile
Prepared by:
Rasol Haji Ahmed
Supervisor:
Dr.Khalid Ibrahim

2. outline
• Introduction
• Case and Transmission
• Pathogen
• Diseases and Complications
• Symptoms
• Prevention
• Diagnosis

3. Introduction
• Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-
forming anaerobic bacillus.
• Most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea.
• Rate and severity of C. difficile-associated diarrhea
(CDAD) increasing.
• New strain of C.difficile with increased resistance
and virulence identified.

4. Cause and Transmission
• C. difficile bacteria can be found throughout the
environment - in soil, air, water, and human and
animal feces.
• Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, antiviral,
antifungal, and chemotherapy drugs eliminates the
“helpful” bacteria
• Transmitted via the fecal-oral route in the
vegetative state or spores
• Rapidly multiplies and produces toxins

5. Pathogen

6. Pathogen

7. Diseases and Complications
• (CDAD)
• (PMC)
• Dehydration
• Kidney failure
• Bowel perforation
• Toxic megacolon
• Death

8. Symptoms
• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever Nausea
• Blood and pus in stool
• Foul stool odor
• Dehydration
• Weight loss

9. Diagnosis
• Enzyme immunoassay kits (EIA)
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy
• Computerized tomography scan

10. Prevention
• Hospital staff should wear disposable
gloves, gowns, wash hand sIsolate infected
patients Disinfect surfaces and
instruments with chlorine bleach Only use
antibiotics when necessary

11. Thank You