A04.7: Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the colon and small intestine. The causative agent, Clostridium difficile, is a bacterium often found in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. It is transmitted through fecal-oral route, commonly through contaminated surfaces or poor hand hygiene. This condition can result in symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite, which may lead to serious complications like severe dehydration and kidney failure. While C. difficile infections are usually associated with recent antibiotic use, it can also occur in individuals without such history; however, the risk is significantly higher for people with compromised immune systems, older adults, and those who have spent prolonged periods in healthcare settings. The severity and progression of the disease can vary from mild to life-threatening, depending on the individual's health status and the strain of the bacterium.