Clostridioides difficile, commonly known as C. diff, is a bacterium residing in the gut that can cause severe diarrhea and colon inflammation (colitis). While C. diff can exist without symptoms, it becomes problematic when its balance with other gut bacteria is disrupted, allowing it to multiply and produce toxins that harm the intestinal lining.
C. difficile Risk After Surgery
Surgery can elevate the risk of developing a Clostridioides difficile infection. While the overall rate of postoperative C. diff infection is low, specific factors increase susceptibility. Patients undergoing complex procedures, those who are older, and individuals with longer preoperative hospital stays face higher risks.
A primary reason for this increased risk is antibiotic use, frequently administered before, during, or after surgery to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum types, can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria. This disruption reduces “helpful” bacteria that keep C. diff in check, allowing it to proliferate and release toxins that damage the colon. Individuals are more likely to acquire a C. diff infection while taking antibiotics or in the three months following treatment.
Extended hospital stays also contribute to the risk, as healthcare settings can be environments where C. diff spores are more prevalent. These spores are hardy and can survive on surfaces for weeks or even months, spreading through contact with contaminated objects or the hands of healthcare workers. Patients in hospitals may have weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions, further increasing their vulnerability to infection if exposed to C. diff.
Identifying and Responding to C. difficile
Recognizing the symptoms of a Clostridioides difficile infection is important for timely intervention. Common signs include watery diarrhea, which may occur three or more times a day for more than one day, along with mild belly cramping and tenderness. More severe infections can present with watery diarrhea as often as 10 to 15 times a day, intense abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. A rapid heart rate, dehydration, and a swollen belly can also indicate a more serious case.
If these symptoms develop, especially after surgery or antibiotic use, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can diagnose C. diff through a stool sample test, which identifies the bacteria’s toxins. Treatment involves stopping any contributing antibiotics and initiating a new course of specific antibiotics for at least 10 days.
Preventing the spread of C. diff is a shared responsibility. Strict hand hygiene is important; washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before eating is more effective than alcohol-based sanitizers for C. diff spores. If a person has a C. diff infection, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with a chlorine bleach-containing product helps eliminate resilient spores. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use also reduces the risk of disrupting the gut microbiome and allowing C. diff to flourish.