Case Study Analysis - Clostridium Difficile

Case Study Analysis
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Case Analysis
Clostridium difficile is a symptomatic infection linked to the formation of spores by
bacterium difficile. Associated risk factors entail antibiotics use. C. difficile colitis is linked to
the use of various antibiotics such as clindamycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones
(Luciano, 2014). The health care environment plays a fundamental role. People's presence in
nursing homes and hospitals and medical institutions are highly linked to C. difficile
infection. Infections occur due to the touch of objects and contaminated surfaces (Jin et al.,
2017). Acid suppression medications are also factors linked to suppression of the production
of gastric acid. Further other risk factors are associated to prolong use of elemental diet which
increases the development of C. difficile infection. Lowered levels of albumins are increasing
the risk factors of the occurrence of diseases (Crook et al., 2012).
The probable risk factors which Claire could have had in this context are the usage of
antibiotics, increased stay at the health care environment and increased usage of elemental
diet leading to loss of healthy bacteria due to loss of food source. Claire could have had an
increased risk factor in having contact with antibiotic medication through the antibiotic
therapy exposure. Clostridium difficile occurrence could have been linked to this medication.
Further, prolonged exposure in the health care environment could have increased the risks of
occurrence. Infections tend to increase with the touch of objects and exposure to
contaminated surfaces. Moreover, contact with health care workers at the hospital could have
increased the rate of occurrence. Further, Claire's increased intake of clindamycin led to
reduced bacterial motility in the stomach leading to increased abdominal pain and cramps
lowering the protective effects of the serum albumin linked to the ability of protein binding
ability of C difficile thus increasing the rate of developing c. Difficile infection on Claire’s
grandmother.
The occurrence of Clostridium difficile emanates from anaerobic motile bacteria. Its
cells are gram-positive and indicate optimum growth on blood agar in the human body in an
anaerobic state. Under stressful occurrence, the bacteria produce spores which can tolerate
extreme conditions which the normal active bacteria cannot survive. The spores can survive
in clinical environments for longer duration; due to this, its culture occurs on any surface.
Ingestion of the spores takes place serving the resistance of the acid leading to the passage to
the stomach. After exposure to bile acids, they grow and multiply into a vegetative state in