C. diff Outbreak Traced to 2 Drug Resistant Strains

Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. Diff is an infection of the intestines that presents with fever, cramping, and uncontrollable diarrhea. A recent worldwide outbreak of two separate strains has been linked to the U.S. and Canada as the starting points for the deadly spread. Originally thought to be caused by a single strain, it has been discovered that the outbreak was caused by two strains, both unresponsive to the normal antibiotic treatment of fluoroquinolone. Due to the drug resistance of both the FQR1 and FCR2 strains, the outbreak was impossible to contain, and between the years of 2002 and 2006 spread from North America into the UK, Korea, Switzerland, and Australia. Some of the countries were affected by both strains, while others only one. The UK was possibly the worst hit as the C. Diff spores traveled from North America across the Atlantic and planted themselves in the commonwealth. Additionally, spread was also imported into the UK from their southern European border, adding to the health emergency. By 2007, Britain reported nearly 53,000 cases of C. difficile. Fortunately, the approaches taken to eradicate the infection eventually caused a massive reduction to 17,414 reported cases by 2011. Through extensive DNA testing, researchers were able to trace the origins of the infection back to North America; in the process learning that there were 2 individual strains. Both are drug-resistant, making them extremely virulent and forcing healthcare professionals to get creative in containment, and treatment. C. Difficle can be contracted by anyone, but is extremely damaging to hospital patients on a broad-spectrum antibiotic, patients with serious or chronic medical conditions, and the elderly. Because of the 2 current strains ability to survive treatment and surface cleaning, proactive steps are encouraged. Proper and frequent hand washing with the use of an anti-bacterial, or anti-microbial soap is imperative. In addition, containment of confirmed C. Diff patients, when in a hospital setting is necessary. It is also encouraged to continue disinfecting any contaminated surfaces and there are specific C. Diff killing surface disinfectants available. With the new knowledge about the Clostridium difficile outbreak, there is little doubt that experts are jumping into action to create a new treatment and an effective way to hinder more infections. Though it may take some time, new products will be developed to help sanitize and sterilize. Additionally, the creativity in fighting the deadly disease which kills nearly 14,000 people a year in the U.S. alone, has developed odd, but effective treatments including Fecal Transplants. The new information about the global C. Diff outbreak has provided enough education to help stop and treat this dangerous infection. Mountainside Medical Equipment carries a wide variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial hand soaps, as well as hand sanitizers for on-the-go people. Also available is a wide variety of disinfecting products for hospital or home. Protect loved ones and patients against dangerous Clostridium difficile. Place an order online, through our website to get the supplies you need at a great, low price. Orders can also be placed by calling 1-888-687-4334 and speaking with one of our knowledgeable Medical Supply Specialists. Sources: The Guardian - http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/09/c-difficile-traced-us-canada Los Angeles Times - Science - http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-clostridium-difficile-genome-antibiotics-20121210,0,5790460.story Medical News Today - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/253819.php UK Daily Mail - Health - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2245709/Deadly-hospital-super-bug-came-North-America-say-DNA-detectives.html?ito=feeds-newsxml