Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile, often called C. diff, is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, known as colitis. It's commonly associated with antibiotic use, which can disrupt the normal gut bacteria and allow C. diff to grow unchecked. Symptoms include frequent watery stool, abdominal pain, and fever. C. diff infections can be serious, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. Treatment typically involves specific antibiotics, and in some cases, fecal microbiota transplantation may be considered to restore healthy gut bacteria. Preventive measures include careful hand hygiene and proper cleaning of contaminated surfaces.