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Published on: December 8, 2014
Clostridium difficile skin contamination in patients with C. difficile-associated disease
Greg S Bobulsky1, Wafa N Al-Nassir, Michelle M Riggs
1Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Summary
Clostridium difficile contamination is common on patient skin, even after diarrhea resolves. This pathogen easily transfers to healthcare workers' hands, posing a significant infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is a significant healthcare-associated infection.
- Understanding pathogen transmission routes is crucial for effective infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and persistence of Clostridium difficile skin contamination in patients with CDAD.
- To assess the risk of pathogen acquisition by healthcare personnel.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 27 patients diagnosed with Clostridium difficile-associated disease.
- Skin site sampling was conducted to identify C. difficile presence.
- Hand hygiene practices of investigators were monitored for pathogen transfer.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile was frequently detected on multiple patient skin sites, including the groin, chest, abdomen, forearms, and hands.
- Investigators' hands were easily contaminated during patient interaction.
- Skin contamination, particularly on the chest and abdomen, persisted even after diarrhea symptoms resolved.
Conclusions:
- Patient skin serves as a reservoir for Clostridium difficile, facilitating transmission.
- Persistent skin contamination highlights the need for enhanced skin decolonization strategies.
- Healthcare worker hand hygiene is critical to prevent cross-contamination and onward transmission.
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