Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colon inflammation (colitis). It is a frequent cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This article clarifies whether C. diff is typically sexually transmitted.
How C. diff Spreads
C. diff primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning the bacteria are transferred from feces to the mouth. The bacterium forms highly resistant spores that can survive for extended periods on various surfaces, including hospital beds, toilets, and medical equipment. These spores are a major factor in its transmission, especially in healthcare settings.
Infected individuals shed C. diff spores in their feces, which can then contaminate surfaces and objects. When someone touches these contaminated items and subsequently touches their mouth, they can ingest the spores and become infected. This leads to person-to-person transmission, especially in settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Antibiotic use significantly increases the risk of C. diff infection because antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This imbalance allows C. diff to grow unchecked and produce toxins that cause symptoms. Individuals over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and people with prolonged hospital stays are also at a higher risk of acquiring the infection.
Sexual Transmission and C. diff
C. diff is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the conventional sense. While any fecal-oral pathogen could theoretically transmit indirectly during sexual activity, such as through poor hygiene or direct contact with fecal matter, this is not C. diff’s usual or primary method of transmission.
Rare case reports exist of C. diff colonization in genital tracts or colitis following specific sexual practices. However, these are not representative of typical C. diff transmission. The vast majority of infections link to healthcare exposure and antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome.
Reducing Your Risk of C. diff
Practicing thorough hand hygiene is important for preventing C. diff transmission. Washing hands with soap and water is particularly effective at removing C. diff spores from the skin, unlike alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not kill these resistant spores. It is important to wash hands rigorously, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
Prudent antibiotic use also plays a significant role in prevention. Antibiotics should only be taken when necessary and precisely as prescribed, as they can disrupt the gut’s natural bacterial balance and increase susceptibility to C. diff. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based products can help eliminate C. diff spores in the environment, especially in shared spaces or if someone in the household is infected.