The C-diff organism is found normally in nearly everyone. C-diff bactereia lives in the GI tract as part of a vast colony of many different organisms which make up the natural flora of the GI tract. We could not live without the presence of all these bacteria (A.K.A. microbs) to help in our digestive processes, --- in point of fact, these organisms are the real ‘OPERATIVES’ of our digestive processes
A C-diff infection occures when for some reason a persons normal balance of digestive tract organisms is disrupted and to many “good” bacteria are destroyed. Then the “not-so-good” bacteria have an opportunity to over grow, simply because they are no longer being kept in check by the “good” guys.. Most often this occures due to the use of antibiotics. Particularly, the broad spectrum antibiotics kill off all kinds of bacteria, the bad as well as the good. (They can not discriminate.) However, since most antibiotics can not kill the C.diff. organism, when an over kill of good bacteria occures, C-diff which is left unaffected, then has the opportunity to over run the terrirory, thus becoming the predominant agent and causing this infectious problem.
Any person taking antibiotics is a potential candidate for a C-diff infection. No need to be in a hospital. Most people that are taking antibiotics, and are thus at increased risk for developing a C-diff infection, are walking around in the general polulation.
Is C-diff everywhere? Yes, as said above, it resides normally in the colon of nearly every person we meet. And YES, as always, GOOD HANDWASHING is an important tool in preventing transmission of all pathogens. But persons also have to know that the risk of a C-diff infection exists when they ask for and take an antibiotic that may, or may not, be genuinely indicated.
Cheers,
Gayle
On and on it goes!!
