The bacterium formally known as Clostridium difficile has been reclassified and renamed Clostridioides difficile, however, it will retain its common name C. difficile or C. diff to avoid confusion.
About The C. Diff Name Change
The bacterium was transferred from the genus Clostridium to the new genus Clostridioides after molecular testing demonstrated differences between C. diff and other members of the genus Clostridium. The new genus was given a name similar to Clostridium to avoid confusion to both the public and healthcare community. So despite the scientific reclassification, this potentially deadly bacterium will maintain its common name C. diff or C. difficile.
C. Diff Can Be Deadly
C. diff is considered a major public health threat. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following facts about C. diff:
“C. diff is a bacterium (germ) that causes diarrhea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon)
Most cases of C. diff occur while you’re taking antibiotics or soon after you’ve finished taking antibiotics.
In 2011, an estimated 450,000 CDIs [C. difficile Infections] in the United States were reported with an estimated 29,300 associated deaths”
Obtain a Free C. Diff Lawsuit Case Evaluation
The Weinberg Law Firm represents medical malpractice victims, including those who have suffered injuries related to C. diff infection. For a free C Diff Lawsuit case evaluation, please call our firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact our firm online by using the easy-to-use Legal Case Evaluation Form found on this page.
Please see Listeria Lawsuit and Food Poisoning Lawsuit for more information about our legal services.
