Clostridium Difficile (Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea) Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

This video tutorial covers Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, including its risk factors, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It explains how C. diff can be part of normal gut flora but can cause severe gastrointestinal illness when normal flora is disrupted, often due to antibiotic use. The tutorial also discusses the importance of clinical suspicion in diagnosis and outlines various diagnostic methods. Treatment options, including antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplant, are explored, emphasizing the need for stopping problematic antibiotics and ensuring adequate hydration.

What is the significance of the Nap1 strain of C. difficile?

Describe the pathophysiology of C. difficile infection.

What are the risk factors associated with C. difficile infection?

Discuss the role of antibiotics in the development of C. difficile infection.

How does the presence of gut flora affect C. difficile infection?

What are the common signs and symptoms of a C. difficile infection?

What complications can arise from a C. difficile infection?

Explain the difference between mild, moderate, and severe C. difficile infections.

How is a C. difficile infection diagnosed?

What treatments are available for C. difficile infection?