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.
