# What is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-clostridioides-difficile-c-diff-infection Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.938Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.938Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-clostridioides-difficile-c-diff-infection Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection is a medical condition caused by a bacterium known as [Clostridioides difficile (Arabic)](). This bacterium can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal problems such as colitis. *C. difficile* is common in the environment, but infections typically occur when people take antibiotics [\[1\]](). The problem is that antibiotics do not just eliminate harmful bacteria; they also kill the "good" bacteria that protect the body from infection. The effect of antibiotics can last for several months. If a person is exposed to *C. difficile* bacteria during this period, they may develop the infection [\[1\]](). The likelihood of developing a *C. difficile* infection increases if antibiotics are taken for more than a week [\[1\]](). ## How do antibiotics cause C. diff infection? When a person takes an antibiotic, it targets the harmful bacteria that cause illness. However, these antibiotics do not distinguish between "harmful" and "beneficial" bacteria. They destroy both, including the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the gut and protect the body from the growth of harmful bacteria like *C. difficile* [\[2\]](). When these "good" bacteria are eliminated, *C. difficile* finds an opportunity to grow and multiply uncontrollably, leading to the release of toxins that irritate the lining of the colon and cause symptoms [\[2\]](). ## Who is most at risk? In addition to taking antibiotics, other factors increase the risk of developing a *C. difficile* infection [\[1\]](): - Older adults (65 years or older) [\[1\]](). - Recent stay in a hospital or nursing home [\[1\]](). - A weakened immune system [\[1\]](). - Previous infection or exposure to *C. difficile* [\[1\]](). ## What are the common symptoms? Symptoms of a *C. difficile* infection include [\[1\]](): - Diarrhea (loose and watery stools) or frequent bowel movements for several days [\[1\]](). - Fever [\[1\]](). - Stomach pain or tenderness [\[1\]](). - Loss of appetite [\[1\]](). - Nausea [\[1\]](). Severe diarrhea can lead to the loss of a lot of fluids, putting you at risk of dehydration [\[1\]](). If you experience watery diarrhea three or more times a day for no known reason, especially if you have taken antibiotics within the past six to eight weeks, it is important to see a healthcare provider [\[2\]](). ## Diagnosis and treatment If you have symptoms of a *C. difficile* infection after recently taking antibiotics, you should see a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a laboratory test on a stool sample [\[1\]](). In some cases, you may need imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan to check for complications [\[1\]](). *C. difficile* infection is usually treated with specific antibiotics that target this bacterium. If you are taking another antibiotic when the infection occurs, your doctor may ask you to stop taking it [\[1\]](). In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital. If you have very severe pain or serious complications, you may need surgery to remove the affected part of the colon [\[1\]](). The disease returns in about 1 in 6 people who have had a *C. difficile* infection within the following 2 to 8 weeks [\[1\]](). If symptoms return, you should contact your healthcare provider. For people with recurrent infections, treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have shown promising results [\[1\]](). FMT uses stool (or bacteria from stool) from a healthy donor to try to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut [\[1\]](). To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading *C. difficile*, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating [\[1\]](). If you have diarrhea, clean the bathroom you used before anyone else uses it [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [C. diff Infections]() - [C. diff Testing]() - [Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-clostridioides-difficile-c-diff-infection#answer