Quick read
Key points
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Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that can cause diarrhoea and colitis (inflammation of the bowel), most often occurring after antibiotic use disrupts the normal balance of gut bacteria, allowing C. diff to grow and produce toxins. It's more common in hospitals and care settings, and particularly affects older adults.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You develop persistent or watery diarrhoea, especially after recent antibiotic use
01 · Know
What is C. diff?
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that can cause diarrhoea and colitis (inflammation of the bowel), most often occurring after antibiotic use disrupts the normal balance of gut bacteria, allowing C. diff to grow and produce toxins. It's more common in hospitals and care settings, and particularly affects older adults.
Symptoms range from mild diarrhoea to more severe illness, and most cases respond well to specific antibiotics that target C. diff itself. Good hand hygiene and careful use of antibiotics generally help reduce the risk of infection.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Alcohol gel doesn't kill C. diff spores
Unlike many germs, C. diff forms spores that alcohol hand gel doesn't reliably kill — washing hands with soap and water is more effective for preventing its spread.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1You develop persistent or watery diarrhoea, especially after recent antibiotic use
- 2You have abdominal pain or fever alongside diarrhoea
- 3Diarrhoea is severe, or you notice blood in your stool
- 4Symptoms recur after previously being treated for C. diff
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Wash Hands with Soap and Water, Not Just Alcohol Gel
Since C. diff spores aren't reliably killed by alcohol hand gel, thorough handwashing with soap and water is especially important if you or someone in your household has a confirmed infection.
- 1Complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics.Specific antibiotics that target C. diff, taken as directed, are the main treatment.
- 2Wash hands with soap and water frequently.This is more effective than alcohol gel alone for preventing the spread of C. diff spores.
- 3Stay hydrated.Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so replacing fluids is an important part of recovery.
- 4Clean shared surfaces and bathrooms thoroughly.This helps reduce the spread of spores within a household.
- 5Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use going forward.Since antibiotic use is a major risk factor, only taking antibiotics when truly needed helps reduce future risk.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
C. diff infection is treatable with targeted antibiotics, and good hygiene practices help prevent both infection and its spread.
Washing hands with soap and water, rather than relying on alcohol gel, is key to preventing the spread of C. diff.