Definition: Clostridium difficile (or C difficile) is a bacteria that normally lives in the large intestine (colon). C difficile may cause inflammation of the colon
(colitis) when it becomes too prevalent in the large intestine. This overgrowth of C difficile may take place after a person has taken antibiotics that have killed the helpful bacteria that live in the intestine.
C difficile can be passed from person to person. A person may not have symptoms of having an overgrowth of C difficile, but he may still be able to pass the bacteria on to another person.
C difficile can be found outside the body on many surfaces, and is a special problem in hospitals and nursing homes. The bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, but can be killed with a 10% chlorine bleach solution.
Also Known As: C difficile, CDF
