What are the signs and symptoms of Clostridium difficile?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including a doctor or a nurse may detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. The following signs and symptoms can occur as a result of C. difficile infection: • Watery diarrhea (mild to severe) • Bloody or blood stained stools • Elevated body temperature • Tummy ache (mild abdominal cramps and tenderness) The above-mentioned symptoms are generally caused by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colitis). Although rare, C. difficile can also cause: • Peritonitis – infection of the lining of the abdomen • Septicemia – blood poisoning • Perforation of the colon Signs and symptoms in more severe cases may include: • Dehydration • Elevated body temperature • Loss of appetite • More severe abdominal cramping and pain • Nausea • Pus or blood in stool (feces) • Watery diarrhea – the patient may go to the toilet ten or more times in a day. • Weight loss C. diff
