Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea is Usually Preceded By

Question

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is usually preceded by
A)eating contaminated food.
B)a blood transfusion.
C)extended use of antibiotics.
D)improper food storage.
E)travel to an underdeveloped country.

Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of healthy people, but extended use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the gut, allowing C. difficile to overgrow and produce toxins that cause diarrhea. This is why antibiotic use is a major risk factor for developing C. difficile-associated diarrhea.