Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is one of the major causes of infective diarrhoea.

Our Trust has been tackling the numbers of in-patients with C.difficile Infection (CDI) through a variety of measures including Department of Health (DH) guidelines which focus on antibiotic guidelines, infection prevention and control precautions and other initiatives. The Trust objective for 2015/16 is no more than 21 cases of CDI.  We need to remain vigilant with practice and adhere to the following guidance:-

Management and Treatment of C-diff infection:

When to take samples:-  

  • If a patient has diarrhoea that is not clearly attributable to an underlying condition e.g. colitis or overflow or therapy e.g. laxatives or enteral feed then a sample should be obtained to determine if it is due to an infective cause. Advice should be sought from the patient’s consultant if there is any doubt.
  • N.B. All patients with diarrhoea should be isolated until a non-infective cause has been established (discuss with Infection Prevention and Control if required). DO NOT wait until specimen results are available as the risk of cross transmission to other patients is significant.

The SIGHT acronym should be followed

 

S

SUSPECT that a case may be infective where there is no clear alternative cause for diarrhoea.

I

ISOLATE the patient and consult with the Infection Prevention & Control Team while determining the cause of diarrhoea.

G

GLOVES and aprons must be used for all contact with the patient and their environment.

H

HANDWASHING with soap and water should be carried out before and after each contact with the patient and the patient’s environment.

T

TEST the stool for toxin, by sending a specimen immediately.