Infections 4

Question 1

What is C.diff?

Answer 1

A gram positive, anaerobic, spore forming rod

Responsible for the development of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and colitis

Question 2

Name THREE risk factors for C.diff

Answer 2

Long duration of hospital stay
Long duration of antimicrobial therapy
Courses of multiple antimicrobials

Question 3

What is the pathogenesis of C.diff

Answer 3

Alteration of healthy bacterial flora of the colon that prevents C.diff toxin production

Question 4

What is the general management of C.diff?

Answer 4

Cease the use of offending antimicrobial and give symptomatic treatment such as fluid and electrolyte treatment

Question 5

What is the specific first line treatment?

Answer 5

Metronidazole orally 400mg TDS for 10-14 days

Question 6

What is the second line treatment of C.diff infection?

Answer 6

Vancomycin 125mg QDS for 10-14 days

Question 7

What is the best way to prevent CDI?

Answer 7

Good infection control with handwashing not with alcohol rubs, isolation of patient