Description:
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming
anaerobic bacillus, which may or may not carry the genes for toxin A-B production.
The spores are usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route and are frequently seen
in patients who have been staying long-term in a hospital or a nursing home.
This article discusses risk factors for Clostridium difficile Associated
Disease (CDAD) and the diagnosis and detection of C. difficile.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss risk factors for C. difficile
- Discuss the pathogenesis of C. difficile
- Describe the clinical presentation of C. difficile
Author(s):
Nipa Patel, MT(AMT)
Launched: 2010