C.diff Infection

Question 1

What is C difficile

Answer 1

Gram positive bacteria which produces toxins

Question 2

What does C diff cause

Answer 2

Pseudomembranous colitis, inflammation, diarrhoea in large bowel

Question 3

Risk factors and causes of C. difficile

Answer 3

Treatment with broad spec antibiotics, health care settings, >65, IBD, cancer or kidney disease, weak immune system, taking PPI

Question 4

Antibiotics which can predispose to C diff

Answer 4

Clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, cephalosporins and penicillins

Question 5

Features of C diff infection

Answer 5

Watery/bloody diarrhoea, painful abdominal cramps, nausea, dehydration, oliguria, tachycardia, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and confusion

Question 6

First line treatment of C diff

Answer 6

Vacomycin 125mg PO QDS

Question 7

What is the second line treatment of C diff

Answer 7

Findamomicin 200ng PO BD

Question 8

Treatment of life-threatening C diff

Answer 8

Higher dose vancomycin or add PO/IV metronidazole

Question 9

Complications of C diff

Answer 9

Massive colonic inflammation, toxic megacolon, systemic toxicity, and manifestations of systemic inflammatory response