Clostridium difficile is a rising health threat

More than a third of cases in the ongoing outbreak at St. Joseph’s in Hamilton – where 13 infected patients have died – came from outside that hospital.

Incoming patients infected with C. diff are a growing problem across North America, complicating efforts to stem the spread of spores in ambulances, emergency rooms and wards. A study by Duke University in North Carolina showed the rate of C. diff in U.S. community hospitals is outstripping MRSA, methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the virulent staph infection that once was the most prevalent threat.

How Hospitals are fighting back

In the years since hospital – acquired C. diff came to widespread public attention, largely due to Ontario’s biggest outbreak at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington, health professionals have learned many new techniques and are also stressing more vigorous traditional infection control, such as hand washing.

Recent studies, for example, have confirmed what hospitals have known, that private rooms and scrupulous isolation are keys to stopping C. diff’s spread. Housekeeping improvements have been made at many hospitals, including wider use of bleach, which is the most effective barrier against C. diff spores.

As well, nurses and doctors have been cautioned that alcohol-based gels are not effective against C. diff spores, which live on hard surfaces such as furniture, as well as on clothing and skin, and must be scrubbed from hands with soap.

Antibiotic stewardship to reduce inappropriate use of certain drugs has also become an accepted imperative. At least one class of drugs, known as fluoroquinolones, is a confirmed trigger for C. diff.

Compiled by Joan Walters
The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 27, 2011