Non-GI C-diff

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

I know that c-diff is a GI bug, but has anybody ever seen it somewhere else, eg a c-diff UTI, wound infection, pneumonia, or suchlike?

Thanks!

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I know that c-diff is a GI bug, but has anybody ever seen it somewhere else, eg a c-diff UTI, wound infection, pneumonia, or suchlike?

Thanks!

C-diff sepsis is a rare complication of c-diff. There are several other clostridium species that can cause skin infections including perfringens which causes gas gangrene.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Translocation? Absolutely. Enteral organisms will travel...

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I know that c-diff is a GI bug but has anybody ever seen it somewhere else, eg a c-diff UTI, wound infection, pneumonia, or suchlike? [/quote']

Seen a couple of perfringens infections, but never difficile. My impression is that c diff is not a particularly invasive or aggressive bug. Remember that the colitis results from breakdown in the natural flora of the lower GI tract, allowing overgrowth of naturally occuring clostridia that are already there.

As a pathogen, I am not particularly impressed with it.

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As a pathogen, I am not particularly impressed with it.

Oh, I don't know; it impresses me, especially in those who are chronically infected. Nothing like gowning and gloving every 1/2 hour to spend 10 minutes elbow deep in that mucousy, foul-smelling stool, cleaning it off of some LOL, from under her fingernails, off the bedrails, etc. I've come home smelling like it--the dog goes especially crazy for me after the nights I've taken care of certain incontinent c. diff pts. Totally gross. She tried to eat my shoes one time after a cdiff night; now my work shoes stay at work.

I do actually know what you mean. I just found the wording of your statement humorous.

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I do actually know what you mean. I just found the wording of your statement humorous.

:D

Yeah, the diarrhea is epic, and the 1 or 2 cases of colon perf I've seen were scary, but the bug just isn't that impressive.

If c diff went to the beach, it would probably get sand kicked in its face by all the other bigger, tougher bacteria.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

ewwww queenjean!!!

you go home smelling like c-diff???

how'd you do that?

i know it is a horrible.. very distinctive smell... but i sure hope i have never came home smelling like it!!!!

just like a GI bleed... very distinctive smell...

a while back i was working triage one night and this elderly gentleman came in pale as a ghost.. and he was guarding his abd... as he was signing in i said... sir... how long have you been having bloody stools?..

his wife thought that i was some kind of medical genius!! it was quite funny...i could just smell it...anyway... if you go home smelling like c-diff... then.. well...i feel sorry for your dog!!.... j/k...

omg i hope i don't smell like c-diff when i come home!!!

:cool:

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

According to TiredMD, c-diff should look something like this....

[ATTACH]6303[/ATTACH]

or this...

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ewwww queenjean!!!

you go home smelling like c-diff???

how'd you do that?

:cool:

I don't know....all I know is there are nights where, if I have a cdiff pt that is terribly incontinent, stools everywhere, and I've smelled it all night, it's all I can smell even after work, and I swear the dog smells it on me, too. I mean, it's not like I don't gown up, glove up, and wash my hands and arms like a madman after each episode; but sometimes you just cannot get away from that smell!!

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