What are the recommendations for caring for patients with Clostridium difficile colitis?

The recommendations for caring for patients with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) colitis stress the importance of infection control measures to prevent the spread of this highly transmissible bacteria. Wearing both gloves and impervious gowns serves as a protective barrier against contamination when providing care to infected patients. This is crucial, as C. difficile can be spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, as well as from person to person.

Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after patient contact, rather than relying solely on hand sanitizer, is essential because alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores. Handwashing helps remove the spores and prevents them from spreading to other patients or healthcare providers.

Thus, the combination of wearing gloves and impervious gowns, along with meticulous hand hygiene practices, aligns with recommended infection control strategies to manage and limit transmission of C. difficile in healthcare settings.