{"id":5708,"date":"2024-04-05T10:44:41","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T14:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/?page_id=5708"},"modified":"2026-03-04T10:02:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:02:48","slug":"cdiff-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/cdiff-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Clostridioides Difficile"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t

On this page<\/strong>: Background<\/a> | Educational Resources<\/a> | Setting-Specific Resources<\/a> | Patient Resources<\/a> | Data & Reporting<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n
\n\t\t\"Clostridioides\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

Background<\/h2>\n

Clostridioides\u202fdifficile<\/em> (\u201cC. difficile<\/em>\u201d or \u201cC. diff<\/em>\u201d) is a type of bacteria (germ) that causes diarrhea. It is possible to carry \u202fC. diff<\/em>\u202f bacteria in your body but not show any symptoms; this is called\u202fcolonization. After treatment, repeat testing is not recommended if symptoms have resolved. This is because many people still have the bacteria. Those at the highest risk for C. diff<\/em> infection are older adults on antibiotics for a long time. People with gastrointestinal conditions or prior surgery are at risk. The same is true for those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions. Frequent hospitalization also raises the risk for C. diff<\/em> infection.<\/p>\n

Infection prevention is an important strategy to stop the transmission of C. difficile<\/em>. This involves using antibiotics appropriately, implementing Contact Precautions, practicing good hand hygiene, and focusing on environmental cleaning and disinfection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n
\n\t

Educational Resources<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t