Only one in three Irish adults have heard of the hospital superbug, Clostridium difficile, despite the fact that it is up to four times more common than the widely known MRSA, a survey has shown.

Clostridium difficile, known as C.diff, usually occurs following antibiotic therapy in healthcare settings such as hospitals, although it can also occur in the community. 

The bug causes diarrhoea, abdominal pain, inflammation of the colon, fever, vomiting and dehydration. It can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as elderly hospital patients and those in nursing homes.

Up to 30% of patients diagnosed with hospital-acquired C.diff infection die within 30 days.

The survey of 1,000 adults revealed that 85% of people believe that MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is more common than C.diff, despite the fact that C.diff is two to four times more common.

C.diff survives as active bacteria that can cause infection, and as ‘spores', which are dormant-like structures. Spores can live on hospital surfaces for months and can easily be transmitted to patients from the hands of contaminated healthcare professionals.

When a person is exposed, these spores can then turn into active bacteria in the bowel, where they can easily multiply, particularly if the usually protective bacteria that live in the bowel have been disrupted by recent antibiotic use.

The survey found that at least one in three people think that hand sanitiser gels can kill C.diff spores on their hands, while almost four in 10 people do not know if hand gels work.

The reality is that while alcohol hand gel disinfectants are widely used in hospitals, and these can prevent MRSA, they cannot kill C.diff spores.

However, according to Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before and after contact with patients ‘can help prevent the spores from spreading'.

Meanwhile, according to microbiologist, Dr Margaret Hannon, the general public needs to be more aware ‘of what Clostridium difficile is, the symptoms associated with this infection, and to ensure to wash their hands with soap and water as this helps to prevent this infection from spreading'.

She said that the biggest challenge in relation to C.diff is recurrence. Many of those treated for C.diff will go on to experience a second infection.

"Patients who experience a recurrence of the condition are at a higher risk for further recurrences, leading to a cycle of repeated infections," she noted.

Meanwhile, according to Naomi Fitzgibbon of the Irish Cancer Society, C.diff affects the most vulnerable people in society, such as those being treated for cancer.

"There is an inadequate level of awareness of C.diff among the public, which has been confirmed through this awareness survey. We would urge patients who develop diarrhoea while in hospital to report this to a nurse or doctor, or anyone with severe or prolonged diarrhoea should consult his or her doctor," she insisted.

The survey was carried out on behalf of Astellas Ireland.