C. Difficile

Question 1

differential diagnosis of c. difficle infection

Answer 1

gastroenteritis
IBD flar
ischaemic colitis

Question 2

c. diff is gram +ve/-ve

Answer 2

+ve

Question 3

c. diff is an/aerobic

Answer 3

anaerobic

Question 4

what is a key complication of c. diff infection

Answer 4

pseudomembranous colitis

Question 5

true/false - most people have c. diff as a normal gut commensal

Answer 5

false - not commensal. more common in hospital where 1-3% of patients carry it

Question 6

presentation of c. diff infection

Answer 6

water diarrhoea +/- blood
cramps
dehydrated
fever
weight loss
low apetite
recent antibiotics

Question 7

what are the 4 C’s that cause c. diff infection

Answer 7

cephalosporins, co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin and clindamycin

Question 8

2 risk factors for developing c. diff infection

Answer 8

> 65 y/o

immunosuppressed

Question 9

investigation for c. diff

Answer 9

stool culture (shouldn't grow anything)
FBC (leukocytosis), CRP raised
stool sample for PCR testing for toxin

Question 10

what antibiotic is used to treat c. diff

Answer 10

vancomycin or metronidazole

Question 11

general management for c. diff

Answer 11

IV fluids, barrier nursing, yellow sign on the door and report to Health Protection Scotland

Question 12

3 complications of c. diff (apart from pseudomembranous colitis)

Answer 12

sepsis, peritionitis and perforation and toxic megacolon

Question 13

give on example of a normal gut commensal of the colon

Answer 13

bifidobacterium

Question 14

give one example of a normal gut commensal in the stomach

Answer 14

lactobacillus