Does Clostridium Difficle Infection Reoccur?

Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 2 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have recently been in hospital with Clostridium Difficile and after not tolerating metronidazole have completed a 10 day course of Vancomycin. All symptoms of extreme nausea and spasmodic diarrhoea finally improved after nearly a week of Vancomycin but now another week later I am having horrible bouts of diarrhoea. Is it possible for it to recur?

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Clostridium difficle can recur if low immunity

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. XXXXXXX
Welcome to health care magic.
I understand your concern regarding Clostridium infection.
Clostridium difficle infection is antibiotic induced and can become resistant to therapy very commonly.
There are chances of recurrence in 15 to 20 percent cases if immune levels remain low.
I suggest following tips to replenish your immune system:
1. Multivitamin supplements twice daily for two weeks.
2. Fluid diet for two weeks.
3. Stool sample testing for Clostridium difficle toxin.
If result is negative in the above test, there is no need for concern.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar