INFECTION-CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF CLOSTRIDIUM-DIFFICILE INFECTION

Clostridium difficile has become a major problem as a nosocomial patho gen that is associated with the use of antibiotics. In the prevention and control of C. difficile disease it is important that programmes ar e directed at primary and secondary prevention. The three main element s of prevention are: (i) restricted use of antibiotics; (ii) strict en teric precautions when looking after patients with diarrhoea; and (iii ) meticulous cleaning of clinical areas. Although poor handwashing is known to play a key role in the spread of infection, there is evidence that compliance with handwashing protocols is low in many hospitals. Infection control teams need to continue to develop creative education programmes to improve compliance with simple infection control proced ures. Consideration needs to be given to ensure that patients have acc ess to handwashing and are well informed about infection prevention. F urther work needs to be carried out to establish the efficacy of disin fectants in the environment and the identification of a user-friendly, effective sporicide. The importance of both thorough cleaning with de tergents to reduce the number of spores in the environment, and clean equipment for each patient should continue to be emphasized.