Clostridium “difficile” refers to a bacterium housed in our digestive system, more specifically in the intestines.

Clostridium “difficile” refers to a bacterium housed in our digestive system, more specifically in the intestines. Nothing abnormal in this presence, because just like many other species of bacteria, clostridium is somehow “hosted” by our body. In return, the bacteria aids digestion and protects against invasion by other species. Unfortunately, clostridium can multiply abnormally, most often following ingestion ofantibiotics : Used against other bacteria, some will allow clostridium to develop. When this happens, it causes disorders such as fever, or some diarrhea.

Clostridium “difficile” is found mainly in children, or fragile patients in hospital when they are being treated for another disease.

We sometimes find the medical abbreviation ” It’s hard To sum up the term.

The causes of clostridium are first of all natural, since this bacterium lives permanently in the human intestines. Its “difficult” counterpart occurs when it multiplies and behaves abnormally, caused by various causes:

Taking antibiotics

Clostridium difficile is usually caused by taking antibiotics. up to 10 weeks later. It is therefore sometimes difficult to trace back to its precise source, especially if several antibiotics were taken during the period. The way in which Clostridium develops remains complex, and is related to the predator / prey balance of the animal world. Here, taking antibiotics can only attack bacteria competing with clostridium, leaving it free to develop.

The elderly

Age weakens our defenses, and by cumulative effect exposes us more and more to the taking of antibiotics. The elderly are therefore the most exposed to Clostridium difficile and its consequences.

Young audience

Children, mostly under the age of two, are frequently affected by Clostridium difficile. This time it is above all the still nascent development of their intestinal flora that causes imbalances. Most often this only leads to diarrhea without consequences.

Clostridium difficile is linked to digestion, but its dysfunction can have consequences on the rest of the body. Here is a sample of symptoms that should alert:

• Diarrhea;
• Fever ;
• Presence of blood in the stool;
• Pain (stomach…);
• Abdominal cramps;
• Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine);
• Sepsis (when the bacteria pass into the blood);
• Dehydration;
• Colon perforation (extreme case).

Clostridium difficile usually does not cause more serious consequences, but in the most frail patients it can cause more serious health problems, up to death due to lack of treatment.

Clostridium difficile is extremely contagious. It spreads in spores, fungi that can be found in the external environment (sheets, toilets or even in the air). These spores can survive for long periods of time, which increases their ability to transmit to a new person. However, spore production is only limited to the most “difficult” cases of Clostridium, having it in your intestines is not enough to transmit it.

The diagnosis of Clostridium difficile is made by stool examination patient, after medical consultation. The laboratory looks for the slightest trace of spores and toxins in order to establish the diagnosis. Identifying the exact strain of clostridium will, among other things, allow the patient to be offered better antibiotic treatment (and avoid any complications).

The best weapon against Clostridium difficile will be to avoid taking the offending antibiotic once it has been identified. The natural balance between the gut bacteria should then re-establish itself in the coming weeks.

For severe cases, it will be necessary to turn to taking an antibiotic dedicated to the elimination of clostridium, but this solution will require monitoring to avoid a new imbalance.

There are a number of ways you can protect yourself from and avoid transmitting Clostridium difficile:

Diet

Clostridium difficile is one of the bacteria in our intestines, but thanks to a better diet we can promote the development of beneficial bacteria (called probiotics).

Hygiene at home

To prevent person-to-person transmission of Clostridium difficile, you should wash your hands often (at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or an alternative washing product), methodically clean common places (bedrooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, etc.) as well as clothing, while focusing on anything that may have come into contact with the infected person.