More thorough cleaning shifts C.diff

Dateline: 15.12.2008
Author: AlturaSolutions Communications, Inc reports

Getting less attention but fast catching up with other superbugs is Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff. C. diff is a spore-forming organism that causes infections and outbreaks. Normally found in healthcare facilities, there are indications it is now being contracted in other settings as well.

For instance, some of the latest figures indicate:

* The number of infections in US hospitals doubled from 2001 to 2005.

* Deaths involving C. diff in England and Wales rose 28 percent between 2006 and 2007.

* In 2005, 301,200 cases of C. diff/C. diff-associated disease were recorded in US hospitals, resulting in approximately 28,600 deaths.

* The number of C. diff cases in nursing and other care centers may be close to 500,000 annually.

Once relatively safe, C. diff is not new but was, historically, treatable.

It is transmitted through the bacteria in faeces, which can survive for months on all types of surfaces - ranging from railings and counters to faucets and sanitary napkin disposal units - a common area.

People become infected when they touch these surfaces and ingest the bacteria by touching their mouths or eating contaminated food.

And now, C. diff is gradually becoming resistant to certain antibiotics-requiring a variety of powerful antibiotics to eradicate the organism.

Healthcare experts say there is no question that more effective cleaning can help stop the spread of C. diff. Bleach and mechanical cleaning action, such as high-flow fluid extraction or no-touch cleaning systems, are typically required to eliminate it.

Further, reducing the number of things "touched" in a restroom setting can help as well. For instance, sanitary napkin disposal units should be replaced with foot-operated or sensor-controlled systems. Lids open and close automatically without touching.

According to Dr Alfonso Torress-Cook, an Orange County, CA, epidemiologist, who has helped the Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital, Tustin, CA, reduce its C. diff cases by nearly 90 percent, the solution is simple. "We cut C. diff infections dramatically by just cleaning more thoroughly," asserts Dr Torress-Cook.
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Picture of bacteria by Bensik Imeri

More thorough cleaning shifts C.diff