Clostridium Difficile
C. difficile infection is caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile in the colon, producing toxins that inflame the bowel lining.
Overview
C. difficile infection is caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile in the colon, producing toxins that inflame the bowel lining.
It is often triggered by antibiotics disrupting normal gut bacteria that protect against C diff. Symptoms range from mild diarrhoea to life-threatening colitis. In Australia, rates have risen in both hospital and community settings over the past two decades (medjournal.com.au).
Common Misunderstandings
Some believe C. diff is only caught in hospital, but community-acquired cases are increasingly common. Others assume it always resolves with antibiotics, but recurrences happen in up to 30% of cases. The cycle of infection, treatment, and relapse can be exhausting.
How is C. Diff Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome balance, allowing C. diff to multiply and release toxins (nejm.org).
- Healthy microbiomes contain bacteria that resist C. diff colonisation — these are often depleted after broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores microbiome diversity and can be highly effective for recurrent infection, with success rates over 80% in clinical trials (nejm.org).
- Prevention strategies include careful antibiotic stewardship and restoring microbiome balance post-treatment.
Symptoms
Frequent watery diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Cramping
Fever
Nausea and loss of appetite
*In severe cases
Dehydration, blood in stool, and low blood pressure
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Clostridium Difficile includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the mouth and gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health such as a tailored low-FODMAP diet or fibre consumptions strategies.
Been diagnosed with Clostridium Difficile?
