Study Finds New Source for C. Diff.

Health care facilities have been blamed for being the source of numerous health care-acquired infections (HAIs) such as Clostridiodes difficile (C. diff). A new study published last week in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology finds the patients themselves may be bringing C. diff into hospitals.

Researchers tested 220 patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center in New York City who exhibited no symptoms of C. diff. At the time of admission, the scientists identified 21 of the patients as carriers. Within 6 months, 38% of the carriers showed signs of a C. diff. infection, compared to 2% of the noncarriers.

The study suggests the assumption patients catch C. diff during their hospital stay is not always true. Instead, some may already be carrying the bacteria in their body when they were admitted.

Although cleaning and disinfection is a crucial aspect of stopping the spread of C. diff in health care facilities, researchers believe the practice of identifying C. diff. carriers also can prevent the spread of infections.