Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile) is a bacteria which produces spores. Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) spores are a dormant form of the bacteria that are resistant to air, drying and heat. The spores can survive in the environment for months and even years and can be spread following contact then ingested (swallowed).
C. difficile is present harmlessly in the intestine (bowel) of 3-5% of healthy adults as part of their normal flora. However, when a service user is given antibiotics for an infection, the antibiotics can kill off some of the good intestinal bacteria, which leaves room for C. difficile to multiply rapidly, resulting in the production of toxins (poisons) which cause diarrhoea.
A downloadable Community Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Policy which can be adopted by your organisation is available below. Alternatively, a complete set of IPC Policies for Domiciliary Care staff is available to purchase @ £74.99, including postage – details can be found on the flyer and resource order form below.
Page updated: 15/07/2024
Dom Care Order Form
