Warning Signs Of A C. Difficile Infection

A C. difficile infection is a digestive illness that occurs when an individual becomes infected with Clostridioides difficile bacteria. This type of illness occurs most often in older individuals who live in long-term care facilities and hospitals. This type of illness is also common after the use of antibiotics. This bacteria is present in the air, water, soil, animal and human feces, processed meats, and other food products. C. difficile spores are spread through feces and can live on objects and surfaces after being touched by an infected individual who has not washed their hands. Once the C. difficile bacteria has colonized in the large intestine, it produces toxins that cause damage to the intestinal lining. This damage causes the formation of plaques and the accumulation of decaying cellular debris that produces numerous symptoms indicative of the C. difficile infection.