Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Flashcards
1
Q
How is it transmitted?
What does it usually come after and why?
A
Spores from people or the environment
The course of antibiotics as it eliminates gut flora so allows C.diff to proliferate.
2
Q
How does it present? - 3
One complication that could lead to surgery?
A
Profuse watery D
Abdominal pain and tenderness
Fever
Toxic megacolon
3
Q
Investigations:
Why do you do FBC?
What would indicate severe C.diff which you would find from U&E’s?
What should also be done to the stool?
A
Raised WBC
AKI - severe C. diff
PCR +/- toxin immunoassay to confirm
4
Q
Management:
What should be stopped if they are on them?
What medications are given?
A
Stop ABs
Vancomycin PO
Fidaxomicin PO
Metronidazole PO - first line in europe
