Understanding the microbiology, prevalence and pathology of Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile was promoted as the bug of the 1990s due to its high rate of infection in older people and those exposed to colonization following a course of antibiotics. Infection with C. difficile follow two paths: either spontaneously resolve or progress to C.difficile−associated diarrhoea (CDAD). Management with fluids and antibiotics is the most common treatment plan. However, probiotics can also be beneficial and help to reduce relapse and re−infection. In hospitals, clean environments can reduce the incidence of C. difficile infection. Nurses working in gastroenterology need to be current in their practice and, therefore, knowledgeable about the benefits to patients of using alternative treatments, such as probiotics in the management of CDAD.