Clostridioides difficile

Clostridioides Difficile: An Intracellular Pathogen and Healthcare-Associated Infection

Description

Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that causes severe gastrointestinal disease, particularly in healthcare settings. The bacterium produces toxins that damage the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation, diarrhea, and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Associated Diseases

C. difficile infection (CDI) primarily manifests as an intestinal infection and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Lower abdominal pain
Fever
Dehydration
Nausea and vomiting

In severe cases, CDI can lead to complications such as:

Toxic megacolon
Bowel perforation
Sepsis
Death

Did you Know ?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDI is the most common healthcare-associated infection in the United States, causing an estimated 500,000 infections and 29,000 deaths annually.

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