Intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile

**Definition:** A disease of the colon, caused by an infection with toxigenic strains of the gram-positive bacteria Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile). This disease is characterised by colitis, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. Transmission is commonly by direct or indirect contact. A disturbance of the normal bacterial flora of the colon, e.g. due to antibiotic treatment, facilitates the development of an intestinal infection with Clostridioides difficile. Confirmation is by identification of Clostridioides difficile in a faecal sample.

**Long definition:** Clostridioides difficile is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus that is responsible for the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and colitis. C difficile colitis results from a disturbance of the normal bacterial flora of the colon, colonization with C difficile, and release of toxins that cause mucosal inflammation and damage.

**Inclusions:** - Pseudomembranous colitis

**Exclusions:** - Necrotising enterocolitis of newborn