The following 3 tests are commonly used: GDH, Toxin EIA and Toxin B PCR. There are several stool tests that can be used to diagnose C. The diagnosis is confirmed based on stool testing. difficile should be considered in patients with new and unexplained diarrhea occurring more than 3 times per day. Signs of severe disease include fever and abdominal distension and/or tenderness. Associated symptoms are feeling poorly, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea is the most common symptom it is usually watery and, rarely, bloody, and may be associated with crampy abdominal pain. Infected individuals excrete spores, and transmission among patients in hospital has been well documented. difficile by ingesting spores that are all around in the environment, especially in hospitals. Many studies have also suggested that use of acid suppressive medications (proton pump inhibitors) may increase the risk of CDI. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) are more likely to get CDI, and may be sicker than patients with IBD alone or CDI alone.
However, even healthy individuals who have not had antibiotics can develop CDI. Major risk factors are older age, weakened immune system, having other illnesses, and being in a hospital or a long-term care facility. High-risk antibiotics are clindamycin, cephalosporins, and quinolones (i.e. The major risk factor for CDI is taking antibiotics in the previous several weeks, but sometimes it occurs even without prior antibiotic use. difficile produces two main toxins - toxins A and B - that cause inflammation in the colon. This bacterium is everywhere in the environment, and produces spores that are hard to get rid of. difficile infection (CDI) in the US, Canada and other countries. Since 2000, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and severity of cases of C. difficile bacteria to grow and produce its toxins. CDI usually occurs when people have taken antibiotics that change the normal colon bacteria allowing the C. The disease ranges from mild diarrhea to severe colon inflammation that can even be fatal. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is due to a toxin-producing bacteria that causes a more severe form of antibiotic associated diarrhea. It usually gets better when the antibiotics are stopped. Resident Resources – Applying to GI Fellowship Programsĭiarrhea is a frequent side effect of antibiotics, occurring 10–20% of the time.Research, Fellowship Grants and Publishing.Advanced Leadership Development Program.Visiting Scholar in Equity, Diversity, and Ethical Care.The Center for Leadership, Ethics & Equity (The LE&E Center).Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology.The American Journal of Gastroenterology.About ACG – Trustees, Governance, Awards.Apply for Advancement to Fellowship (FACG).