What bacteria is known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms and is difficult to eradicate?

Get ready for the Ohio State Tested Nurse Aide Test with our multiple-choice questions and study tips. Prepare to excel with flashcards and detailed question explanations. Ace your STNA exam!

C-Difficile, or Clostridium difficile, is particularly notorious for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily through inflammation of the colon known as colitis. This bacterium often emerges in individuals who have been treated with antibiotics, which disrupts the normal gut flora and allows C-Difficile to proliferate. The symptoms can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, with potential complications such as toxic megacolon or sepsis.

What makes C-Difficile especially challenging to eliminate is its ability to form spores, which are highly resilient and can survive in harsh environmental conditions. These spores can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces and can persist in healthcare environments, leading to recurrent infections even after treatment. This situation necessitates stringent infection control measures and often requires specific antibiotics to manage.

In contrast, the other bacteria listed may cause gastrointestinal issues as well, but they don't present the same level of severity or complication related to their persistence and the difficulty in eradication as C-Difficile does. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of C-Difficile is crucial for infection control in healthcare settings.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy