Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacteria present in soil, air, water, human and animal feces and on most surfaces. C. diff bacteria are passed in feces and can be spread to food, surfaces and objects when people do not thoroughly wash their hands. When ingested, the bacteria do not create a problem unless it grows in abnormally large numbers in the intestinal tract and begins to attack the lining of the intestine.

The colon contains hundreds of different kinds of good bacteria important for good health, including bacteria that suppress the growth of harmful organisms. However, without enough good bacteria, dangerous bacteria such as C. diff can grow out of control and cause harm. Good bacteria may be destroyed when your child takes an antibiotic to treat an infection.

Symptoms of C. diff include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Diarrhea, which may be bloody
  • Nausea

Diagnosis of Clostridium Difficile

If your child has symptoms of C. diff, a pediatric gastroenterologist can perform the following tests to make a diagnosis:

  • Stool test. A stool test can detect toxins produced by C. diff bacteria.
  • Colonoscopy. If your child’s symptoms are severe, your physician specialist may order a colonoscopy to better determine what is taking place inside the colon and take tissue samples (biopsy) if needed.

Treatments

To stop a C. diff infection, your child's body needs to rid itself of the harmful bacteria and replace any good bacteria that were lost. Treatments for C. diff include:

  • Stopping antibiotic use. Your child's pediatric gastroenterologist may suggest that your child stop using the antibiotic that destroyed the good bacteria and triggered the C. diff infection. In many cases, this is enough to combat the infection.
  • Medicines. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat C. diff, including oral metronidazole and vancomycin. Sometimes the infection comes back, requiring additional treatment.
  • Probiotics. These supplements contain good bacteria and may be recommended.
  • Fecal transplant. If your child has had three or more C. diff infections, he or she may need a fecal transplant. A fecal transplant uses stool from a healthy donor to return good bacteria into the colon. Normal bowel movements usually begin within two or three days of the transplant.

Key Points to Remember

  • Antibiotics can kill good bacteria as well as bad bacteria. Reserve the use of antibiotics for times when they are absolutely necessary. Common ailments, such as ear infections, are often caused by viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
  • If antibiotics are necessary, ask your child's pediatric gastroenterologist about probiotics, which are supplements that help replace good bacteria.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the website below to learn more about Clostridium difficile.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This government website provides patient information about C. diff, including how to treat and prevent a C. diff infection.

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Research

The Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Department at Riley at IU Health conducts clinical research to find better ways to prevent and treat infection. Ask one of our pediatric gastroenterologists for more information about our studies and ways to participate.

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

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