Yes, you can contract Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) from your husband. C. diff is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colitis, leading to inflammation in the colon. The infection is highly transmissible, especially within close quarters like a shared home. While the absolute risk of infection from household exposure is low for healthy individuals, the potential for transmission validates the need for proactive prevention measures.
The Mechanism of C. diff Transmission
The core challenge in preventing C. diff transmission lies in the bacterium’s ability to transform into a resilient spore. When C. diff is shed in the stool of an infected person, it forms these spores that are remarkably tough and resistant to many standard cleaning agents and even stomach acid. The primary way C. diff spreads is through the fecal-oral route, meaning the spores must be ingested to cause an infection.
These spores can survive for extended periods—even months—on various surfaces throughout the home, including toilets, door handles, and linens. Infection occurs when a person touches a contaminated surface and then inadvertently touches their mouth or face. The ingested spores germinate in the small intestine and proliferate in the colon, releasing toxins that cause illness.
High infectivity results from the widespread environmental contamination that occurs with C. diff-related diarrhea. Even with good hygiene, the volume of spores shed by an actively infected person makes the shared environment a reservoir for transmission. This spore-forming nature makes C. diff distinctly different from many common household germs and necessitates specific cleaning and hygiene protocols.
Factors That Increase Household Risk
Developing an infection depends heavily on the exposed person’s vulnerability, even when spores are present in the environment. The greatest risk factor for developing C. diff disease is recent or current antibiotic use. Antibiotics disrupt the natural gut bacteria (dysbiosis), allowing C. diff to proliferate and release toxins.
Other existing health conditions also increase vulnerability. Advanced age (over 65) is a significant risk factor, as are chronic illnesses like kidney disease or diabetes. A weakened immune system, whether due to a medical condition or chemotherapy, also makes a person more susceptible.
The specific nature of the care being provided also impacts the level of risk. Spouses who are providing direct, hands-on care, such as assisting with toileting or bathing, have a much higher likelihood of direct spore exposure. Furthermore, the severity of the infected spouse’s illness plays a role; frequent and severe diarrhea significantly increases the amount of environmental contamination with spores.
Essential Steps for Preventing Spread at Home
The most effective way to break the chain of C. diff transmission is through diligent hand hygiene using soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against the C. diff spore and should not be relied upon. Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating, and after any contact with the infected person or their environment.
Environmental cleaning requires disinfectants specifically capable of killing the spores. Standard household cleaners are insufficient; use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) or an EPA-registered sporicidal agent. High-touch surfaces in the bathroom and common areas must be cleaned daily, including the toilet flush handle, sink handles, doorknobs, and bedside tables.
Handling contaminated laundry also requires specific protocols to prevent spore spread. Any clothing or linens soiled with stool should be washed separately from other items. Use the hot water cycle with laundry detergent and bleach if the fabric allows, followed by drying on a high-heat setting to maximize spore elimination.
To further reduce transmission risk, several measures should be implemented.
- If possible, the infected person should use a separate bathroom, or the shared bathroom must be thoroughly disinfected with a bleach-based product after each use.
- Minimize the sharing of personal items, such as towels and washcloths.
- Ensure that cleaning supplies used for the infected person are not used elsewhere in the home.
- The infected person should take daily showers instead of baths, as showering washes spores down the drain.