Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. diff, causes severe gastrointestinal illness. Many wonder how this bacterium spreads, particularly if it can be transmitted through the air. This article clarifies C. diff transmission and outlines effective prevention strategies.
Understanding Clostridioides difficile
Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that can lead to inflammation of the colon, known as colitis, and severe diarrhea. It forms highly resilient spores, an inactive germ form that survives harsh conditions. These spores allow C. diff to persist in the environment for extended periods.
Common symptoms of a C. diff infection include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. While C. diff can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of infection. These include recent antibiotic use, older age (over 65), and stays in hospitals or nursing homes.
How C. diff Spreads
C. diff is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning the spores are ingested after contact with contaminated feces. While some studies explore airborne dissemination, C. diff is not considered an airborne pathogen like viruses spread by coughs or sneezes. However, activities like making beds or patient movement can stir up spores, causing them to temporarily become airborne and settle on surfaces.
The resilient C. diff spores can survive on various surfaces, including toilets, bed rails, door handles, and medical equipment. Transmission occurs when individuals touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch their mouth, leading to ingestion of the spores. Poor hand hygiene plays a significant role in this spread, particularly in healthcare environments.
Preventing C. diff Transmission
Preventing the spread of C. diff largely centers on rigorous hygiene practices and environmental control. Hand hygiene is paramount; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against C. diff spores because they don’t physically remove them. The physical action of washing is necessary to remove spores.
Thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection are essential, especially in healthcare settings and homes where an infected person resides. Disinfectants containing bleach are effective against C. diff spores, and it is important to use EPA-approved products specifically designed to kill C. diff. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, electronics, and toilet flushers, should be cleaned regularly.
In healthcare facilities, isolating infected patients in private rooms with dedicated toilets helps contain the spread. Healthcare personnel should wear disposable gloves and gowns when caring for patients with C. diff. Handle contaminated linens carefully, laundering them with normal detergent. Soiled linens can harbor C. diff spores and contribute to environmental contamination.