Active Clostridium Difficile Infection Journal of Nursing

Clinical Considerations for Patients with Active Clostridium difficile Infection

Tags: Active Clostridium difficile Infection infection wound care

This article addresses the probable significant environmental Clostridium difficile (c. difficile) spore contamination that occurs when patients with active C. difficile infection are utilizing low air loss mattress therapy. We site published works that have proven environmental contamination exists in the absence of low air loss therapy. We assert that by virtue of the mechanism of action of low air loss surfaces, significantly increased environmental soiling is inevitable. Therefore, the risk of spreading infection is significantly increased. We are calling for additional research to determine the extent of increased contamination that occurs when low air low therapy is used on patients with active C difficile infection.