Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. diff, is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from mild diarrhoea to severe bowel conditions.
It’s found in the intestines of some people without causing symptoms. However, it can become problematic when the normal bacteria in the gut (the gut microbiome) are disrupted, often due to antibiotic use. The bacterium can be ingested through contact with contaminated surfaces or by person-to-person transmission.
Symptoms include:
- diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- fever
- loss of appetite
- nausea.
Certain people are at greater risk:
- individuals who have recently taken antibiotics
- elderly people
- those with compromised immune systems
- hospitalised patients.
Ways to help prevent it include:
- hand hygiene: regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water
- environmental cleaning: proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, especially in healthcare settings
- antibiotic stewardship: responsible use of antibiotics to prevent disruption of gut bacteria
- maintaining a healthy gut microbiome: diets that support the gut bacteria to protect from infection.
Once infected there is a high risk of recurrence, and the risk of serious complications increases with each recurrence. If you have recently had C. diff, but finished your course of antibiotics and are getting better, you can contact the Health Protection Hub using the details below for enhanced support to help you prevent your illness from returning.
Telephone: 01952 381800
Email: healthprotectionhub@telford.gov.uk
An officer will help you to understand your condition better and give you help and advice on what you can do to reduce your risk.
For more information:
- visit the gov.uk website for further information on the infection, including epidemiological data
- visit the NHS website for information on the symptoms, transmission and treatment of the infection.
Last updated: 24/02/2025 14:22
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