What causes Clostridioides difficile?

What causes Clostridioides difficile?

When a person takes antibiotics, the “good germs” in the intestines are killed off making it easier to become infected by the Clostridioides difficile germ. The germ is found in stool (bowel movement), and is spread to other people by unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces, or objects.

In a healthcare setting, the germs have been found on objects such as toilets, bathroom fixtures, bed rails, and rectal thermometers. The germ is able to survive for a very long time on a variety of surfaces.