Clostridium Difficile

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.