Clostridioides difficileinfection, often referred to asC.
diff, is a bacterial infection in the digestive system.
C. diffinfections usually are transmitted through healthcare prefs such as in hospitals and nursing facilities.C.
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diffinfections are often linked to the recent use of antibiotics.
diffinfection is common, with around 10% to 20% of people experiencing a repeat infection.
Learn about the most common reasons for recurrence and how to manage aC.
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How Common Is Recurrence?
Recurrence of infectionor reinfectionis common withC.
If you are reinfected, it can be with the same strain ofC.
diffyou had before or a completely new strain.
The rate of recurrence is estimated to be between 10% and 20% of allC.
The most common risk factors for reinfection withC.
diffareantibioticusage and older age.
you’re able to manage your risk of recurrence ofC.
diffby limiting the use of unnecessary antibiotics and with frequent hand washing.
when you’ve got aC.
diffinfection, you may continue to have some detectable level ofC.
diffbacteria that live within the gut, which may never completely go away.This is called colonization and describes thatC.
diffis now a part of the normal microbial population in your gut.
However, this does not mean that you will have symptoms all the time.
diffbacteria can live naturally within your digestive system without causing problems or symptoms ofC.
However, in some cases, the bacteria can be triggered to reproduce and multiply.
diffbacteria can overwhelm the digestive system and cause a recurrence of aC.
Comprehensive medical treatment can patch up the illness associated with aC.
Can I Still Spread C. Diff After Treatment?
After you complete a full course of treatment with antibiotics your risk of transmittingC.
diffis low but not zero.
Even if you are not actively spreadingC.
diff, there is still a possibility thatC.
diffreinfection can occur.This can be from the sameC.
diffyou had previously or, in some cases, from a new strain.
What if I Get C. Diff Again?
diffinfection has come back if you have:
Other symptoms ofC.
diffsuch as vomiting, nausea, or feverare additional signs of a possible reinfection.
diffagain, seek out medical treatment with your healthcare provider.
Special medications are available for recurrentC.
Treatments for recurrence ofC.
diffinfection can include:
Repeated infections withC.
diffmay result in the development of antibiotic resistance.This can lead to theC.
diffbacteria becoming resistant to antibiotic drugs such as vancomycin and fidaxomicin.
In cases of ongoing and repeated infections withC.
Rebyota and Vowst are approved for the prevention of the recurrence ofC.
diffinfections in adults who have completed antibiotic treatment for recurrentC.
diffinfections.FMT has been proven effective in treating frequentC.
diffinfections.FMT can also be used to treatC.
diffinfections that are not responsive to antibiotics.
If you are experiencing frequent reinfections withC.
diff, consult with your healthcare team about whether FMT may be right for you.
Summary
C. diff, is a bacterial infection in the digestive system.
Recurrence is common, with around 10% to 20% of people experiencing a repeat infection.
A Word From Verywell
C. diffrecurrence is a common issue after a firstC.
Reinfection can be random and there is no way to predict or completely prevent recurrence ofC.
If you have recurrence ofC.
diffthere are treatment options available including medications and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you haveC.
This is called colonization and means thatC.
diffis now a part of the normal microbial population in your gut.
However, this does not mean that you will have symptoms all the time.
Adequate treatment can address the illness associated with aC.
diff infection and some people may never experience symptoms again.
C. diffrecurrence is relatively common, with around 10% to 20% of people withC.
diffexperiencing a recurrence of symptoms of reinfection.
Comprehensive treatment of the firstC.
diffinfection and avoidance of risk factors forC.
diffsuch as unnecessary antibiotics can reduce your risk of recurrence.
diffinfection can be very uncomfortable.
Most people will report frequent diarrhea and discomfort in the belly.
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