Will C. Diff Go Away On Its Own

In this article, we will take a close look at Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff. We will explore its role as a significant pathogen in community health, its association with nosocomial infections, and its impact on individuals with weakened immune systems or gut microbial imbalances. We will also explain the various infections it can cause, its treatment options, and the potential for recurrence.

Author - Jakub Gwiazdecki

Fifth year medical student at the Medical Faculty of Comenius University in Bratislava.

Jakub used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.

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What is C. diff?

C. diff is short for the bacterium Clostridium difficile. This rod-shaped pathogen is gram-positive and produces spores and toxins [1, 2]. It is transmitted by ingestion [1].

This bacterium is associated with nosocomial infections, which can be contracted in hospitals. C. diff is associated with colitis, which can range from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening [3].

Each year, nearly half a million people get infected with C. diff [4]. It leads, to increased mortality rates, especially in hospitals [5].

Generally, Clostridium does not affect healthy individuals. It is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in people with a weak immune system or an imbalanced gut flora. For instance, people with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of infection [6].

What infection can C. diff cause?

Clostridium difficile primarily causes infection in the gastrointestinal tract. A common disease is antibiotic-linked colitis [5].

A severe form of colitis that can be caused by C. diff is pseudomembranous colitis. It causes fulminant inflammation of the gut lining and is particularly troublesome for people with chronic inflammation, like ulcerative colitis [6].

The infection with the bacterium can also lead to life-threatening conditions. For instance, it can cause a toxic megacolon. In this condition, the colon enlarges, and it can rupture. When untreated, this condition is lethal [7].

Another problem with C. diff infection is that the damaged intestine lining can break and cause a dangerous leakage into the abdomen [6, 8]. This can lead to subsequent infection and damage to the abdominal cavity.

Will C. diff go away on its own?

Typically, the infection by C. diff does not go away on its own. Antibiotic therapy is usually needed to overcome the disease [4, 7].

Furthermore, severe cases of Clostridium often require hospitalization. Sometime even a surgical resection of the gut is performed in the hospital [4].

Additionally, it is essential to point out that the C. diff infection is common to recur. About 15% of people affected by the bacterium will experience the disease again during the 8 weeks after recovery [4].

If you suspect an infection by C. diff, always see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of C. diff infection?

The symptoms of a C. diff infection include:

diarrhea (of the watery type occurring multiple times a day) [7, 8],
abdominal pain and cramps [4, 7],
nausea [4],
fever [4],
loss of appetite and weight [6, 7].

In severe cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration or contain blood [7].

What is the treatment for C. diff?

The first-line treatment of Clostridium difficile consists of vancomycin and fidaxomicin, both taken orally [7].

In milder cases, oral metronidazole can be used as an alternative [7].

Fecal transplants can be considered to treat recurrent cases of C. diff infection, especially after antibiotic therapy fails. The transplantation aims to change the gut flora for a healthy microbiome without Clostridium from a donor [6, 7].