C diff where is it found

If you have been taking antibiotics recently and have symptoms of C. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. What is C. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Risk Factors for C. A blood test may also be carried out to help determine how severe the infection is, and sometimes you may need tests or scans in hospital to check if your bowel is damaged. Your GP will decide whether you need hospital treatment if you're not already in hospital. If the infection is relatively mild, you may be treated at home.

If you're in hospital, you might be moved to a room of your own during treatment to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others. However, the symptoms come back in around 1 in 5 cases and treatment may need to be repeated.

If you're well enough to be treated at home, the following measures can help relieve your symptoms and prevent the infection spreading:. Your GP may contact you regularly to make sure you're getting better.

Call them if your symptoms return after treatment finishes, as it may need to be repeated. The bacteria often live harmlessly because the other bacteria normally found in the bowel keep it under control. However, some antibiotics can interfere with the balance of bacteria in the bowel, which can cause the C. When this happens, C. Once out of the body, the bacteria turn into resistant cells called spores. These can survive for long periods on hands, surfaces such as toilets , objects and clothing unless they're thoroughly cleaned, and can infect someone else if they get into their mouth.

Someone with a C. You can reduce your risk of picking it up or spreading it by practising good hygiene, both at home and in healthcare settings. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Clostridium difficile.

In some cases, you may also have signs of dehydration. See a GP if you think you have got C. They may suggest sending off a sample of your poo to get it tested for C.

Having diarrhoea while taking antibiotics does not necessarily mean you have C. Diarrhoea can be caused by a number of conditions and is a common side effect of antibiotics. A blood test may also be needed to help determine how severe the infection is. Sometimes you may need other tests or scans in hospital to check if your bowel is damaged.

Your GP will advise if you need hospital treatment if you're not already in hospital. If you're in hospital, you might be moved to a room of your own during treatment to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others. But the symptoms come back in around 1 in 5 cases and treatment may need to be repeated. If you're well enough to recover from Clostridium difficile C. Your GP may contact you regularly to make sure you're getting better.