Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, bacterium that causes infection of the colon that can be life threatening. Risk factors for developing a C. diff infection (CDI) include recent antibiotic use, history of a previous CDI, a weakened immune system, recent stay in a healthcare setting, and people aged 65 or older. More than 80% of C. diff deaths occur in the elderly. Prevention of CDI includes rapid identification and isolation of patients/residents with CDI, following contact precautions and hand hygiene, judicious use of antimicrobials, and good environmental cleaning.
