Clostridium Difficile

[gizzy76]

Just wondering what you all can tell me about clostridium...we have a lady who came into our rural hospital and she's just tested positive. All my dictionary says is that it's a rectal infection basically and one of my co-workers said that it takes 10 days of Flagyl to clear it up.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

It's standard procedure for us to put our C-Diff patients in contact isolation...It DOES spread rather quickly.

On a side note- I got it when I first started working at my hospital, and I always wear gloves. It was one of the most god-awful illnesses I have ever had!!! And the smell- it's true- you never forget it.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Check out the GI nurses board for more info.

Cdiff is very common in our nursing home pts. We get so many admitted with it (from the hosp) after being treated for other infections. Flagyl is the first line of attack and vanco is also used. The antibiotics don't always clear it up. We've been known to give them for 7-21 days. While giving them we also try to establish gi flora with lactobacillus and yeast. I've also heard that macaroon cookies work for decreasing loose stool. Like someone else said...once you smell it and see it, you know what it is miles away. We don't isolate in my LTC but use contact isolation...gowning only if soilage is extreame. Gloves and good housekeeping is a must.