Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) PCR Positive Carrier

This leaflet tells you about the germ (bacteria) Clostridioides difficile, and what will happen now that we have detected (found) this bacteria in your poo (faeces sample).

What is Clostridioides difficile?

C.diff are bacteria (germs) which live in the intestine (bowel) of some people without causing any problems. Sometimes they can cause infection and diarrhoea (runny poo), especially when antibiotics have been taken.

What does my PCR positive stool specimen result mean?

Your faeces (poo) specimen has shown that you have Clostridioides difficile bacteria in your bowel.

There are two types of test for C.diff that are carried out on diarrhoea specimens.

One test shows whether bacteria are present, this is known as the PCR test.

The other test shows the bacteria are producing toxins (poisons) in your bowel. In patients who are PCR positive for C diff only, the results show that bacteria are present but not producing toxins. At the time of your test toxins were not found.

What are the signs and symptoms of Clostridioides difficile

Clostridioides difficile can cause frequent and smelly diarrhoea. Other symptoms include abdominal (tummy) pain and high temperature. Some people have worse symptoms than others.

In some cases, the infection can be so bad that it is life threatening. However this is very rare.

Will I need any treatment?

You might be prescribed an antibiotic by your doctor to try and treat the Clostridioides difficile when you have had a positive test result.

However sometimes no treatment is needed. This will depend on your symptoms and your doctor will advise you.

What can I do to help myself?

You must always wash your hands well, using soap and water, after using the toilet and before eating. You may need to drink extra fluids to replace any fluid you might lose due to diarrhoea. Your doctor might also advise you to drink probiotic drinks (drinks that contain live bacteria or yeasts that can have health benefits).

How will I be looked after if I am found to be PCR positive for Clostridioides difficile while I am in hospital?

While you are in hospital you will normally be moved to a single room, and the door to this room will have to be kept closed to stop the spread of the bacteria.

The nursing staff and the domestic (cleaning) staff will carefully clean your room, and any equipment that is used. You can help them, if you are able to, by putting your belongings in your locker and keeping your room tidy.

When the ward staff change your bedding they will put it in a plastic bag before leaving your room.

Staff will also have to wear an apron and gloves when looking after you, and will wash their hands after they have taken these off.

You will need to be kept in a room on your own for at least 2 days after your diarrhoea has stopped and you have passed a formed stool. This is to make sure that you are no longer infectious.

The Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) will be told about your specimen result, and if you are still in hospital a member of the team will visit you to discuss the result and answer any questions.

The IPCT will check on your progress while you are in hospital, and will seek advice from a pharmacist (specialist who manages medications) and a microbiologist (specialist who deals with bacteria and other germs) to assist the doctors and nurses on the ward with their specialist advice about your care.

If you have any concerns about infecting other people, or becoming infected by other people yourself, while you are in hospital you should discuss this with the nurse or doctor on the ward.

If you still have concerns you can ask to speak to one of the senior staff members on the ward or ask to speak to one of the IPCT members.

Will this PCR positive Clostridioides difficile result affect my discharge from hospital?

Your doctor might decide you are well enough to go home even if you still have some diarrhoea. If this happens, your GP will be told so that your care and any treatment can be continued at home.

What if I am at home and have PCR positive Clostridioides difficile?

You must always wash your hands well, using soap and water, after using the toilet or commode and before eating. It is important that you keep your toilet clean using bleach, and that you wash your clothes and bedding separately from other family members and use the highest temperature possible as indicated by the label.

Your GP will advise you about any treatment you might need.

Can I still have visitors?

Yes. It is safe for healthy visitors to come and see you, but they must wash their hands well with soap and water before and after visiting.

If you are in hospital your visitor will be asked to wear an apron and gloves when they visit.

If your visitors have any concerns about visiting they can discuss these with the staff on the ward.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside of surgery hours you should contact your GP surgery for the Out of Hours Service number, or call 111 for advice.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Infection Prevention and Control Team

Telephone: 01642 383280

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday to Friday)

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones

or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]