Clostridium difficile NCTC 11209

Clostridium difficile (C difficile) is a bacterium which can be found in low numbers in the intestine of a small proportion (less than 5%) of the healthy adult population. Normally the 'good' bacteria in the intestine stop it causing any illness. When antibiotics are given to a patient with C. difficile in the intestine, the ‘good’ bacteria may be damaged, and this may allow C. difficile to produce an inflamed intestine (colitis) producing diarrhoea, or sometimes more serious symptoms. `
The bacterium produces two toxins, which are responsible for the diarrhoea and which damage the cells lining the intestine. Most infections occur in hospitals (including community hospitals) nursing homes etc, but can also occur at home. The bacterium can form spores which enable it to survive in the environment outside the body and which protect it to some degree against cleaning detergents and chemical disinfectants. The bacterium is sometimes found in the intestine of babies, but does not cause illness.

How is the infection caught?
The spores of the bacterium need to get into the mouth of the patient, and are then swallowed. If the ‘good’ bacteria in the intestine have been damaged by antibiotics, there is a chance the patient may become infected. In most cases the disease develops either from contact with faecally conaminated environment or through direct contact with someone with the illness or from healthcare staff.