Overview
C. diff is a nickname for a bacterium whose full name is Clostridioides difficile (klos-TRID-e-OY-dees dif-uh-SEEL). This bacterium can infect your colon (large intestine), causing diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Bacterial infections in your colon are common, and most aren’t serious. But C. diff infection can be more aggressive and harmful to your colon. C. difficile releases toxins that damage the cells in your intestinal lining. This causes inflammation in your intestinal lining and colon (colitis). Whether you have symptoms, and how severe they are, will depend on the extent of the damage from these toxins. When it’s severe, it can be life-threatening.
Clostridioides difficile is a newer name for Clostridium difficile.
How common is Clostridioides difficile infection?
C. diff infection (CDI) is a global health concern, although the exact rates of infection worldwide are unknown. In the U.S., 500,000 infections cause 15,000 deaths each year.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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