Clostridium difficile

C. Difficle or c. diff are shortened names from the baterium, Clostridium difficile, which causes uncomfortable gastrointestinal  symptoms. These symptoms include: watery diarrhea, up to 15 times each day; severe abdominal pain; loss of appetite; fever; blood or pus in the stool; and weight loss.

Although C. diff is not that common in healthy populations. Vulnerable populations who are at risk include: those on long term antibiotics; surgery of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; diseases of the colon such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer' a weakened immune system; use of chemotherapy drugs; previous C. diff infection; advanced age -- 65 or older; kidney disease; or use of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors, which lessen stomach acid.