Clostridioides difficile is one of several common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). It’s also known as “C. diff.”
C. diff occurs if you encounter bacteria that causes colitis, or inflammation of the colon.
Most C. diff infections start in hospitals or other health care settings. Sometimes healthy people with no recent health care setting exposure become infected.
- Diarrhea
- Fever
People who have C. diff infection have bacteria in their feces. The feces might contaminate an item or surface that other people touch.
A person can get C. diff if they touch a contaminated surface then touch their mouth or nose.
Health care workers can also spread the bacteria:
- Directly from one patient to another, and
- By contaminating surfaces through hand contact.
- People ages 65 and older
- People who have other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics. This group is at the highest risk for C. diff infection.
The best way to prevent C. diff and its spread is thorough handwashing with soap and water.
This page was last modified on 03/11/2025