Self containment by housing people in private rooms is important to prevent the spread of C.<unk> . Contact precautions are an important part of preventing the spread of C.<unk> . C.<unk>  does not often occur in people who are not taking antibiotics so limiting use of antibiotics decreases the risk. Antibiotics The most effective method for preventing CDI is proper antibiotic prescribing. In the hospital setting, where CDI is most common, most people who develop CDI are exposed to antibiotics. Although proper antibiotic prescribing is highly recommended, about 50% is considered inappropriate. This is consistent whether in the hospital, clinic, community, or academic setting. A decrease in CDI by limiting antibiotics or by limiting unnecessary prescriptions in general, both in an outbreak and nonoutbreak setting has been demonstrated to be most strongly associated with reduced CDI. Further, reactions to medication may be severe: CDI<unk> s were the most common contributor to adverse drug events seen in U.S. hospitals in 2011. In some regions of the UK, reduced used of fluoroquinolone antibiotics seems to lead to reduced rates of CDI. Probiotics Some evidence indicates probiotics may be useful to prevent<unk>  and recurrence. Treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii in those who are not immunocompromised with C.<unk>  also may be useful. Initially, in 2010, the<unk> s Diseases Society of America recommended against their use due to the risk of complications. Subsequent reviews, however, did not find an increase in adverse effects with treatment, and overall treatment appears safe and moderately effective in preventing Clostridium<unk> -associated diarrhea. One study in particular found that there does appear to be a “protective effect” of probiotics, specifically reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by 51% in 3,631 outpatients, but it is important to note that the types of<unk> s in the subjects were not specified. Yogurt, tablets, dietary supplements are just a few examples of probiotics available for people.<unk>  control Rigorous<unk>  protocols are required to minimize this risk of transmission.<unk>  control measures, such as wearing gloves and noncritical medical devices used for a single person with CDI, are effective at prevention. This works by limiting the spread of C.<unk>  in the hospital setting. In addition, washing with soap and water will wash away the spores from contaminated hands, but alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective. These precautions should remain in place among those in hospital for at least 2 days after the diarrhea has stopped. Bleach wipes containing 0.55% sodium hypochlorite have been shown to kill the spores and prevent transmission. Installing lidded toilets and closing the lid prior to flushing also reduces the risk of contamination. Those who have CDIs should be in rooms with other people with CDIs or by themselves when in hospital. Common hospital disinfectants are ineffective against C.<unk>  spores, and may promote spore formation, but various oxidants (e.g 1% sodium hypochlorite solution) rapidly destroy spores. Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) systems used to sterilize a room after treatment is completed have been shown to reduce<unk>  rates and to reduce risk of<unk>  to others. The incidence of CDI was reduced by 53% or 42% through use of HPV. Ultraviolet cleaning devices, and housekeeping staff especially dedicated to disinfecting the rooms of people with C.<unk>  after discharge may be effective.
Clostridioides difficile infection
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Irritable bowel syndrome
Campylobacteriosis
Gay bowel syndrome
Wilderness-acquired diarrhea
Factitious diarrhea
Cytomegalovirus colitis