Infection: Clostridium Difficile Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Infection: Clostridium Difficile Deck (5)
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1
Q

What is the classification of clostridium difficile?

A

Gram positive bacilli - dumstick shaped

2
Q

What infection does C diff cause?

A

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
(caused by antibiotics wiping out gut commensals and allowing c diff to grow, or proton pump inhibitors causing decreased stomach acid)

3
Q

What is the mode of transmission of C diff?

A

Spread via spores found in the faeces - can spread via surfaces, direct contact and feacal oral transmission

Common hospital acquired infection

4
Q

What is diarrhoea?

A

New onset of more than 3 partially formed or watery stools per 24 hr period

5
Q

What is the treatment for c diff infection?

A

Mild cases do not require treatment however oral rehydration sachets may be useful

Moderate cases - metronidazole

Severe disease - vancomycin (pregnant women always treated this way as metronidazole can cause birth defects)

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