Information for Healthcare Professionals about C. diff

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing puts patients at risk for C. diff infections (CDI). More than half of all hospitalized patients might get an antibiotic at some point during their hospital stay, but studies have shown that 30 to 50% of antibiotics prescribed in hospitals are unnecessary or incorrect.

Prescribe and use antibiotics carefully. You can inquire about your patient’s past history of C. diff infection before prescribing.

Other important interventions include:

• assessing patients for CDI risk factors
• timely testing of patients with compatible signs and symptoms
• using contact isolation precautions, including wearing gloves and a gown for patients with unexplained diarrhea
• following hand hygiene practices, including before seeing a patient and after removal of gloves
• daily and terminal cleaning of patient rooms