Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrevalenceTransmissionRecurrenceFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prevalence
Transmission
Recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions
Clostridioides difficileinfection, often referred to asC. diff, is a bacterial infection in the digestive system.
C. diffis a highly infectious bacterium that can cause a range of symptoms, most commonly diarrhea—or loose stools—cramping, indigestion, stomach upset, and bloating.
C. diffinfections usually are transmitted through healthcare settings such as in hospitals and nursing facilities.C. diffinfections are often linked to the recent use of antibiotics. Antibiotic drugs kill bacteria and can, therefore, disrupt the balance of normal bacteria that live in thedigestive system. Recurrence ofC. 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. diffreinfection below.
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How Common Is Recurrence?
Recurrence of infection—or reinfection—is common withC. diffinfection. 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. diffinfections.
This means that after treatment, there is a chance that you can experience reinfection, though it is not the most likely outcome. The recurrence rate goes up with subsequent episodes: up to 20% to 25% after the first episode, 40% to 45% after the second episode, and more than 60% to 65% after three or more episodes ofC. diff.
The most common risk factors for reinfection withC. diffareantibioticusage and older age.
Once you have 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.
ColonizedC. diffbacteria can live naturally within your digestive system without causing problems or symptoms ofC. diffinfection.
However, in some cases, the bacteria can be triggered to reproduce and multiply. The reproducingC. diffbacteria can overwhelm the digestive system and cause a recurrence of aC. diffinfection. The exact reason for this overpopulation is not known, but it usually occurs after antibiotics kill of other bacteria in the gut. It may also result from changes in the immune system that weaken it, as from having cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or taking immunosuppressive therapies.
Comprehensive medical treatment can resolve the illness associated with aC. diffinfection.
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. You can still spread the disease to others even if you are not symptomatic.However, proper hygiene practices likewashing your handsfrequently with soap and water after using the bathroom will reduce the chance of spread.
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?
You may noticeC. diffinfection has come back if you have:
Other symptoms ofC. diff—such as vomiting, nausea, or fever—are additional signs of a possible reinfection.
If you haveC. diffagain, seek out medical treatment with your healthcare provider. Special medications are available for recurrentC. diff.
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. diff, your healthcare team may recommend a procedure known as a fecal microbiota transplant, which replaces your microbiome with other bacteria from a donor after a careful screening of the donor sample.
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. diffinfection. It can be discouraging to have the same problem happen again, but know that you are not to blame. Reinfection can be random and there is no way to predict or completely prevent recurrence ofC. diff. If you have recurrence ofC. diffthere are treatment options available including medications and procedures.
Frequently Asked QuestionsOnce you haveC. difficile, you may continue to have some level of bacteria that lives within the gut, so it may never go away. 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 resolve 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.AC. diffinfection can be very uncomfortable. Most people will report frequent diarrhea and discomfort in the belly. The most common symptoms are:DiarrheaBloatingFlatulenceNauseaVomitingFever
Once you haveC. difficile, you may continue to have some level of bacteria that lives within the gut, so it may never go away. 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 resolve 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.
AC. diffinfection can be very uncomfortable. Most people will report frequent diarrhea and discomfort in the belly. The most common symptoms are:DiarrheaBloatingFlatulenceNauseaVomitingFever
AC. diffinfection can be very uncomfortable. Most people will report frequent diarrhea and discomfort in the belly. The most common symptoms are:
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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