First Documented: 1935 Illness Caused: Diarrhoea Antibiotic Resistance: Low Virulence: Dangerous One of the better known ‘superbugs’ because of a consistent presence in hospitals around the world, C.difficile is, primarily, an easily spread type of diarrhoea that can lead to complications in the colon. Several significant outbreaks of C.difficile have made the news in the UK and despite a major effort in improving hygiene in hospitals, the bacteria is responsible for a significant number of deaths globally. The chance of catching C. Difficile is actually increased by exposure to antibiotics – you are more likely to get ill from C.difficile if your internal balance has been upset and the bacteria can exploit this.
