Clostridium difficile (C. diff): Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile. Infection occurs usually after treatment with antibiotics which disrupt the normal community of microorganisms in the large intestine allowing C. difficile to proliferate.

Risk factors for developing CDI include recent hospitalization, recent antibiotic use, advanced age, compromised immune system, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium that produces toxins that damage the lining of the colon, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:

- Watery diarrhea, often with blood or pus

- Abdominal pain

- Fever

- Loss of appetite

- Nausea and vomiting