Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)

What is CDI?

Clostridioides difficile is one of many types of bacteria found in the gut (formerly known as Clostridium difficile). It can cause intestinal irritation and diarrhoea.

Older people and those being treated with antibiotics are most at risk.

How do I get a CDI infection? 

Antibiotics and bowel surgery can upset the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, allowing Clostridioides difficile bacteria to grow.

What will happen if I have it?

Staff will wear aprons and gloves when entering your room. This is to ensure that we don’t spread infection to other patients. 

Hands must be washed with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.

If you cannot wash your hands, ask your nurse to help you. Encourage your visitors to do the same.

How is Clostridioides difficile treated? 

Your doctor may decide to give you certain antibiotics to treat Clostridioides difficile. 

It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea. If you are in hospital, you must tell the nursing staff each time you open your bowels so that they can monitor you closely.

What happens after treatment? 

Tell your nurse right away if you have recurring diarrhoea or have abdominal pain and are still in the hospital. If you are at home, call your primary care doctor.

Alerts appear in hospital records to advise healthcare workers of previous infections, and we will write to your GP to let them know if you have had a Clostriodes difficile infection so even if you need antibiotics, you can get the right treatment.

Can I have visitors? 

Yes, you can have visitors. It’s advised that visitors wash their hands with soap and water when entering and exiting the room.

Aprons and gloves are not required for visitors to wear unless they are helping you with personal hygiene. 

Laundry

Visitors can take your laundry home and wash it as normal. If your clothes get dirty, put them in a plastic bag and store them in a locker so that your relatives can take them home and wash them.

Wash these garments separately in the hottest wash cycle suitable for the garment. Remember to wash your hands after touching dirty laundry.

What if someone is pregnant?

There is no additional risks to any individual who is pregnant when visiting a patient with this infection type. It’s just important for them to wash their hands before leaving your room. 

What should I do when I’m discharged from hospital or receiving treatment at home?

It’s important to complete the full treatment as directed by your medical team to ensure that the infection is properly treated. 

If you still have symptoms such as diarrhoea:

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away once treatment has been completed or if they recur after treatment.  
• Make sure you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and prior to preparing food.
• Clean household surfaces frequently with disinfectant.

For further information contact the Infection Prevention and Control Team on 07387546017.

This information has been reviewed by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices to check it is easy to understand. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices is a panel of cancer patients who volunteer to read NHS information to make sure it makes sense to people. They have been brought together by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.