C.Diff

Question 1

C.Diff bacterial characteristics

Answer 1

G +ve
Anaerobic

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Pt taking Abx

• disrupts competition in gut flora

Question 3

What does C Diff produce?

Answer 3

Enterotoxins A & B

A = Enterotoxin
B = Cytotoxic - causes bloody diarrhoea

Question 4

CFs

Answer 4

Diarrhoea +/- blood
Lower abd pain (colitis)
Nausea
Pyrexia
WCC count > 15 x 10^9
Raised lactate

Question 5

Ix

Answer 5

XR Abdomen for toxic megacolon
Stool cultures

Question 6

Mgx for mild/moderate C Diff

Answer 6

Metronidazole

Question 7

Mgx for severe C Diff

Answer 7

Vancomycin

Question 8

Mgx for non-responders to other therapies

Answer 8

high dose vancomycin, IV metronidazole, IV immunoglobulin

Question 9

Mgx for recurring C Diff

Answer 9

Vancomycin
Foecal transplant

Question 10

Acronym for suspected C Diff

Answer 10

SIGHT

Suspect
Isolate within 2 hrs
Gloves/aprons
Hand wash
Test