Petri dish culture with C. difficile; illuminated with UV.
Photo Source: https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=16787
Clostridium difficile (also known as “C. diff”) is a bacteria that causes inflammation of the colon (colitis). People who have other illnesses, prolonged use of antibiotics, and the elderly are at increased risk of acquiring this disease.
C. difficile infections are NOT reportable in Orange County, except in outbreak settings. Outbreaks should be reported immediately by phone (714-834-8180) to OCHCA Epidemiology.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff_infect.html.
Last reviewed November 30, 2018
