Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is a bacteria (germ) that is commonly found in the human intestines (digestive tract or ‘gut’) but does not usually cause infection or disease. People in good health usually don’t get Clostridium difficile infections.

A Clostridium difficile infection usually occurs when antibiotics have been prescribed for a particular infection, killing both the germs causing that infection, as well as the harmless germs that live in your digestive tract. When these harmless germs are killed, the Clostridium difficile germ is able to multiply to larger numbers than it would normally and start producing toxins (poisons), which cause the symptoms of Clostridium difficile infection.

Signs and symptoms

Common sign and symptoms of a Clostridium difficile infection include:

• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea (feeling sick).
• Abdominal pain and/or tenderness.

Some people can have a Clostridium difficile infection but not have any symptoms.

Diagnosis

A Clostridium difficile infection is diagnosed by testing a sample of faeces (poo).

Treatment

Clostridium difficile infections are usually treated with a course of antibiotics. It is important that your child takes full curse of the antibiotics prescribed.

People with Clostridium difficile infections typically recover within two weeks of starting antibiotic treatment. However, many people become reinfected and need additional therapy.

How is Clostridium difficile spread?

Clostridium difficile spreads easily from people who have a symptomatic infection. These people shed large numbers of the bacteria in their faeces (poo), resulting in widespread contamination of their skin, bed linen and other nearby surfaces (bed rails, bathroom rails, medical equipment etc). The bacteria spores can live outside the human body for about 5 months if they are not destroyed by thorough cleaning processes and effective washing.

Preventing the spread

Good hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile bacteria. This means using an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap/antiseptic and water to clean your hands regularly. Everyone who cares for or visits your child must follow these precautions at all times.

When should you clean your hands?

Always clean your hands:

• before handling anything that goes in the mouth
• before preparing or eating food or drinks
• after going to the toilet or changing nappies
• after using a tissue or handkerchief
• after handling dirty washing
• after coming into contact with an affected area (avoid touching wherever possible)
• before leaving a patient’s room.

Infection precautions during a hospital admission

If your child is in hospital with a Clostridium difficile infection, there will be special precautions in place to minimise risk of spreading the virus to other patients.

Your child may stay in a single room or share a room with a child with the same germ. Your child will be asked to stay in their room, unless they are receiving tests and treatment.

Healthcare staff will use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns and masks when caring for your child.

Your child may also have visitor restrictions – check with your child’s care team.

Returning to school, kindergarten or day care

Children with Clostridium difficile infections should not go back to childcare or school for at least two days after their diarrhoea or vomiting stops.

Developed by the Infection Management and Prevention Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Resource ID: FS145. Reviewed: Janurary 2024.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.