CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE (C. DIFF) INFECTION

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. It aims to help you better understand gut-related issues, but the causes and diagnoses of these conditions are often complex and overlapping, with potential for misdiagnosis. This is why it’s essential to consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as a gastroenterologist or your doctor, for proper evaluation and advice tailored to your needs.

CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE (C. DIFF) INFECTION

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a bacterial infection that inflames the colon, often after antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora. It can cause anywhere from mild diarrhoea to life-threatening colitis.

The bacteria produces toxins that cause colon inflammation and damage, with recurrent infections common after antibiotics, which is why it is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections in many countries. Hand sanitizer is not enough in combatting the infection with only hand washing with soap being able to kill C. diff spore.

SYMPTOMS OF C. DIFF INFECTION

Watery diarrhoea is the most prominent symptom.
Fever – due to systemic infection.
Abdominal cramping and pain (often in the lower abdomen)
Nausea and loss of appetite
Dehydration – due to rapid fluid loss.

CAUSES

Antibiotics are the primary risk factor for CDI as they disrupt the normal gut microbiota, allowing C. difficile spores to germinate and proliferate. A study published in Nature Communications found that antibiotic treatment led to increased bile salts in the gut, promoting C. difficile spore germination and growth. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are particularly implicated; a systematic review indicated that clindamycin and fluoroquinolones significantly increase CDI risk.

The alteration of gut microbiota composition creates an environment conducive to C. difficile colonisation. Research shows that dysbiosis characterised by reduced microbial diversity allows pathogenic bacteria to thrive. Healthy carriers of C. difficile exist; up to 17.5% of adults may carry it without developing disease due to protective good gut bacteria and a healthy microbiome.

C. diff spores are highly resilient and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, contributing to transmission in healthcare settings.

COMPLICATIONS OF C. DIFF

Severe dehydration
Toxic megacolon
Colon perforation
Life-threatening sepsis if untreated.

DIAGNOSIS OF C. DIFF

A stool toxin PCR test is a highly definitive and non-invasive way to detect C. diff toxin genes.
A stool enzyme immunoassay (EIA) can confirm toxin presence (lower sensitivity).

TREATMENT INDICATION FOR C. DIFF

Treatment focuses on killing C. diff while restoring gut microbiome to prevent recurrence.

First-line Antibiotics (Vancomycin, Fidaxomicin) can be highly effective as they treat the infection, however, they do cause gut microbiome disruption by destroying good gut bacteria.
Probiotics (adjunct) can be used to prevent recurrence and support microbiome rebuilding. A 2024 study revealed that probiotic supplementation could reduce CDI recurrence by 30% in high-risk patients.
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) can be used in recurrent cases and is highly effective as it restores normal microbiome rapidly.
Emerging Therapies include an FDA-approved microbiota-based live biotherapeutics like RBX2660 and SER-109, and bacteriophages targeting C. difficile are used to prevent recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI). The treatment has shown success rates of up to 97% in eliminating C. difficile without harming beneficial gut bacteria and is well tolerated with very few adverse side effects

SUPPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

REPOPULATING YOUR GUT MICROBIOME WITH THE RIGHT GOOD BACTERIA
Repopulating your gut microbiome with the right good bacteria to improve its function and role within your health will start resolving your symptoms.
Ensure you only take a probiotic that meets pharmaceutical grade standards to ensure efficacy and that dose delivery for symptom improvement, (uses gold-standard strains backed by clinical evidence for efficacy, with a minimum dose of 10 Billion CFU’s, protects it bacterial dose by ensuring shelf stability and full stomach acid protection with targeted delivery of the bacteria to your intestine, and meets all other quality metrics).The bacteria in your microbiome improves digestion and nutrient absorption, acts at the guts pharmacy – making vitamins, producing SCFA’s and other important metabolites, like serotonin. It is both the boss of and manager of our immune system. They Influence our brain and hormones, improve our mood + how our brain work. The microbiome also influence our Metabolic and Hormonal system/health.
HEALING THE WHOLE GUT SYSTEM, IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND FUNCTION
This condition can affect the gut structure, environment and function, leading to an overall decline in the performance of the whole gut system. This results in gut inflammation, increased oxidative levels altered colonic PH levels. It impairs; immune capabilities, cell function, barrier function, digestion and metabolic health. Which makes it harder for good bacteria to survive in your gut, and easier for pathogens to take over – leading to a negative-cyclical feedback loop that keeps you unhealthy, compromised and struggling with severe symptoms.

Probitec Intrinsic Bowel Support (30 capsules) and Probitec Gastro (10 capsules), have 8-strains and 20 Billion CFU’s, housed in the worlds most advanced probiotics capsule.

Probitec Fibre+ is a 3-in-1 formula of prebiotic fibre, glutamine and digestive enzymes, designed to enhance the composition and integrity of the whole gut system

The strains have over 120 studies confirming significant relief and improvement of the symptoms associated with the following:

Abdominal pain and discomfort
Diarrhoea, constipation
Bowel regularity and motility
Gas and bloating
Enhancing the gut-brain axis, reducing stress and improving mood
Improving Immunity and combatting pathogenic infections and overgrowth
Enhancing Intestinal Integrity
Reducing gut inflammation
Relieving GI distress or dysbiosis
Improving Quality of Life issues such as fatigue, brain fog and skin conditions.