Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) rate
According to Public Health Ontario, Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacillus. It is widely distributed in the environment and colonizes up to 3-5% of adults without causing symptoms. Some strains can produce two toxins that are responsible for diarrhea: toxin A and toxin B.
C. difficile produces spores that are resistant to destruction by many environmental interventions, including a number of chemicals. Spread of C. difficile occurs due to inadequate hand hygiene and environmental cleaning; therefore, consistent hand hygiene and thorough cleaning of the client/patient/resident environment are necessary for control.
C. difficile has been a known cause of health care-associated (nosocomial) diarrhea for over 30 years. Reported rates of CDI range from 1 to 10 cases per 1,000 discharges and 17 to 60 cases per 100,000 bed-days. C. difficile can cause asymptomatic infections or may result in severe, life-threatening disease. It can be acquired in both health care and community settings.
Reports
HDGH C. difficile July 2024
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