Clostridium Difficile Infection (C. Diff) is now 2-4 times more common than MRSA according to a new survey. C. Diff is a serious illness and up to 30% of patients diagnosed with it die within 30 days.
Bacteria producing toxins cause inflammation of the colon, diarrhoea and in some cases death. Symptoms can range from mild, self-limiting diarrhoea to severe life-threatening bowel complications.
C. Diff rates are also increasing in nursing homes in the past number of years. Patients and health care staff have been advised to fight the infection by insuring that they regularly wash their hands with soap and water as this helps to prevent the infection from spreading. Disinfectant alcohol gel does not adequately fight the infection. The results are risk of recurrent infection of this dangerous disease.
