The latest bug said to be menacing NHS patients is Clostridium difficile, so called because when it was first discovered, doctors struggled to reproduce it in laboratory conditions, but what else do we know?

What is Clostridium Difficile?

CD is a naturally occurring, spore-forming bacteria frequently found in the bowels of babies, where it can be harmless. It is rarer to find it in the intestines of adults. CD flourishes in the bowels when the normal balance of bacteria is disrupted, something that can happen after a dose of antibiotics.

What happens if you catch CD?

CD produces two toxins which cause diarrhoea. In most cases, it is only a relatively mild illness which passes in a few days. But among elderly patients, CD can cause serious dehydration and even death. CD infection can also lead to the more serious disease of "pseudomembranous colitis" or "antibiotic-associated colitis" which is characterised by significant damage to the large bowel.

How are CD illnesses treated?

Because CD-induced diarrhoea is usually the result of a course of antibiotics, stopping the antibiotics and re-hydrating the patient usually cures the upset. But sometimes, specific antibiotics are prescribed for CD, especially in more advanced cases, these include vancomycin and metronidazole. Taking anti-diarrhoea medicine can make CD-illnesses worse.

How does CD spread and why is it hard to get rid of?

CD spreads by contact. But what makes it such a resilient, creative bacteria is that that can produce spores to survive outside the body, something that other bacteria, like salmonella, cannot do.

When CD detects that its living conditions are becoming difficult, the bacteria cells build themselves a hard, protective coating, known as a spore. The bacteria then becomes dormant and can survive for up to 70 days, living on hospital floors and around toilets. It can even protect itself from some cleaning agents, although bleach is normally effective.

What should be done to control the spread?

According to the Association of Medical Microbiologists, the best measures to stop it spreading include isolating infected patients and thorough cleaning of affected areas of the hospital. Doctors and nursing staff should wear disposable aprons and gloves and wash themselves after contact with each patient.

Source: Association of Medical Microbiologists (www.amm.co.uk).

Explore Health

• Expert Advice

• Health Features

• Mental Health

• Alternative Medicine

• Child Health

• Health Club