What is C Difficile?

C. difficile (otherwise known as C-Dif or C Diff) is a bacterium of the family Clostridium. It is an anaerobic bacterium (i.e. it does not grow in the presence of oxygen) and produces spores that can survive for a long time in the environment.

The C Difficile Infection usually inhabits the large intestine. It can be found in low numbers in a small proportion (less than 5%) of the healthy adult population. It is normally kept in check by the 'good' bacterial population of the intestine. It is common in the intestine of babies and infants, but does not cause disease because its toxins (poisons) do not damage their immature intestinal cells.

C. difficile can cause diarrhoea, ranging from a mild case to a very severe illness with ulceration and bleeding from the colon (colitis) and, at worst cause perforation of the intestine leading to peritonitis.

Patients who have been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics (those that affect a wide range of bacteria, including intestinal bacteria) are at greatest risk of contracting the C. difficile disease. Most of those affected are elderly patients with serious underlying illnesses. Most infections occur in hospitals (including community hospitals), nursing homes etc, but it can also occur in primary care settings.

• Prevention of C. difficile disease can include the following:

• Prudent antibiotic prescribing to reduce the use of broad spectrum antibiotics

• Isolation of patients with C. difficile diarrhoea and good infection control nursing

• Handwashing (not relying solely on alcohol gel as this does not kill the spores)

• Enhanced environmental cleaning and use of a chlorine containing disinfectant where there are cases of C. difficile disease to reduce environmental contamination with the spores.

·          What can I claim for?

Generally, compensation for general damages for pain, discomfort and loss of amenity will vary depending on the severity of symptoms / condition and the period of time for which they have or are likely to last. The greater the level of pain and discomfort and the longer the symptoms persist, the higher the compensation.

In addition to general damages, you may also claim for all heads of Special Damages, to include past and future loss of earnings; overtime; bonus pay; gratuitous care provided by family / friends ; travel expenses; payments for painkillers; private medical treatment; pension loss; etc

As with all medical negligence claims, strict time limits apply so contact us today to see if you are entitled to bring a medical negligence claim for C Diff.

 

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