C.Diff Flashcards
What is Clostridioides difficile commonly associated with?
Infectious Colitis
What type of bacteria is C. Diff?
Gram +ve rod
What are the two exotoxins produced by C. Diff?
- Toxin A (TxdA)
- Toxin B (TcdB)
What is the pathology associated with C. Diff infection?
Stimulates inflammation and an immune response that exacerbates intestinal tissue damage causing diarrhoea
What condition can develop due to C. Diff infection?
Pseudomembranous colitis
What commonly triggers C. Diff infection?
Suppression of normal gut flora by broad-spectrum antibiotics
Name three antibiotics that can lead to C. Diff infection.
- Cephalosporins
- Clindamycin
- Co-amoxiclav
How is C. Diff transmitted?
Faecal-oral route
List three risk factors for C. Diff infection.
- Antibiotics
- Age +
- Prolonged hospitalisation
- Hospitalisation
- GI surgery/procedure
What are two common symptoms of C. Diff infection?
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal Pain
What is a sign of pseudomembranous colitis?
Inflamed colon with yellow plaques
What stool test is used to diagnose C. Diff?
Clostridium difficile toxin (CDT) present
What does a positive antigen test for C. Diff indicate?
Exposure to bacteria rather than current infection
Colonisation but NOT active infection
What blood test result is associated with C. Diff infection?
Raised WBC
What is a serious complication of C. Diff infection?
Severe toxic megacolon
Non-obstructive dilatation of the colon which can perforate and cause sepsis.
What is the first-line treatment for the first episode of C. Diff?
Oral Vancomycin for 10 days
What is the second-line treatment for the first episode of C. Diff?
Oral fidaxomicin
What should be given for a life-threatening C. Diff infection?
Oral vancomycin AND IV metronidazole
What is used for recurrent episodes of C. Diff within 12 weeks of symptom resolution?
Oral fidaxomicin
What is the treatment for a second episode of C. Diff after 12 weeks of symptom resolution?
Oral vancomycin or Fidaxomicin
What is Bezlotoxumab?
Monoclonal antibody that targets CD toxin B
What therapy is used for patients with 2+ previous episodes of C. Diff?
Faecal microbiota transplant
