How you get C. difficile

C. difficile bacteria are found in thedigestive systemof about 1 in every 30 healthy adults. The bacteriaoften live harmlessly because the other bacteria normally found in the bowel keep it under control.

However, some antibiotics can interfere with the balance of bacteria inthe bowel, whichcan cause the C. difficile bacteria to multiplyand produce toxins that make the person ill.

When this happens, C. difficile can spread easily to other people because the bacteria are passed out of the body in the person's diarrhoea.

Once out of the body, the bacteria turn into resistant cells called spores. These can survive for long periods on hands, surfaces (such as toilets), objects and clothing unless they're thoroughly cleaned, and can infect someone else if they get into their mouth.

Someone with a C. difficile infection is generally considered to be infectious until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared up.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018