Simply put this is an overgrowth of a bacteria called clostridium difficile. The body has a balance of tons of bacteria, and if there is a tip in the scale you can have an overgrowth of one type of bacteria or another. When the scales tip in the favor of C diff, this bacteria can be dangerous. Usually there is a story of some patient that has been on long term antibiotics, or exposed to somebody that has the condition. It is usually treated with Vancomycin or Flagyl. As a last ditch effort to treat this infection a fecal transplant can be utilized. What’s a fecal transplant you say? It were you actually take somebody else’s stool process it and give it to the patient rectally. By doing this you provide bacterial flora that tip the scales back into a normal balance. The classic presentation of this, is explosive diarrhea, and sometimes bloody diarrhea. The main rule of thumb when treating patients with this condition is always wash your hands. C diff is transmitted via contact, so hand washing with soap is a must.

Always wash your hands – DR SARELA.