Clostridium difficile
- General Information
Clostridium
difficile in Arizona
Clostridium difficile is a bacteria which can cause a diarrheal
illness. It is commonly associated with
antibiotic use and healthcare facilities. Most people who come into
contact with Clostridium difficile do not develop disease. Clostridium difficile is not currently a reportable
disease in Arizona.
Recently, a University of Arizona veterinary
microbiology researcher has found Clostridium difficile on processed
meats bought in Tucson area grocery stores. Some of the bacteria from these meats
are a new strain identified in North America that can cause more severe
disease. We do not yet know the significance of finding this organism
on meat. Arizona
Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, and the University of
Arizona Veterinary Microbiology Department are working together to determine if the
strains found on the meat are causing human disease here in Arizona.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that C. difficile
disease is caused by contaminated food.
Questions and Answers about Clostridium
difficile
What is Clostridium
difficile?
C. difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and can cause more
serious intestinal conditions such as inflammation or injury to the large
intestine which can lead to blood infection and
death.
What are the symptoms of Clostridium
difficile disease?
Symptoms include watery diarrhea (at least three bowel movements per day
for two or more days), fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal
pain/tenderness. However, not everyone who is exposed to the disease has
symptoms.
Who gets the disease?
People in good health usually don’t get C. difficile disease. The
highest risk for disease is in people who have been taking antibiotics for a
long time for other illnesses or conditions.
What is new about this organism?
A new strain has been discovered in North America in the last year which
may have up to 17% mortality. Clostridium difficile was previously considered a healthcare-associated disease.
Recently, however, community-associated disease in people who have not received antibiotics has
been reported.
Where is this bacteria found?
The bacteria are found in the feces of people and animals.
How do people get an infection?
People can become infected if they touch items or surfaces that are
contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous
membranes. Healthcare workers can spread the bacteria to other
patients or contaminate surfaces through hand contact.
How can I prevent this infection?
The best prevention is using good hand hygiene practices and avoiding
unnecessary use of antibiotics.
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