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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES SECTION I - INFECTIOUS AGENT NAME: Clostridium difficile SYNONYM OR CROSS REFERENCE: N/A CHARACTERISTICS: Gram positive rod, anaerobic, motile, subterminal spores, produces a cytotoxin and enterotoxin SECTION II - HEALTH HAZARD PATHOGENICITY: Opportunistic pathogen, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy eliminates competing gut flora, allowing the overgrowth of C. difficile; important cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis; diarrhea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy; symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis (possibly fatal) EPIDEMIOLOGY: Worldwide; 2-3% of adults are asymptomatic carriers ; 50% of healthy neonates (<1 year old) are carriers; nosocomial transmission increasingly important HOST RANGE: Humans and other animals INFECTIOUS DOSE: Not known MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Fecal-oral contact; evidence for transmission via fomites and hands exists INCUBATION PERIOD: Not known COMMUNICABILITY: May be transmitted from person to person SECTION III - DISSEMINATION RESERVOIR: Soil, water, hay, sand; intestinal tract of humans and other animals ZOONOSIS: None VECTORS: None SECTION IV - VIABILITY DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY: Susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin DRUG RESISTANCE: Metronidazole and vancomycin-resistant strains have been reported SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS: Spores are fairly resistant; moderate susceptibility to 1% sodium hypochlorite; susceptible to high level disinfectants (>2% glutaraldehyde) with prolonged contact time PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: Spores are fairly resistant to heat (spores destroyed by moist heat - 121°C for at least 15 min) SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Spores can survive for long periods outside of host SECTION V - MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Monitor for symptoms; recovery of C. difficile organisms and/or toxin from stool samples FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Antibiotic therapy should be stopped; oral therapy with metronidazole or vancomycin IMMUNIZATION: None PROPHYLAXIS: None SECTION VI - LABORATORY HAZARDS LABORATORY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: 1 reported case of a laboratory-acquired infection from C. difficile SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Clinical specimens - feces PRIMARY HAZARDS: Injuries from contaminated sharp instruments SPECIAL HAZARDS: Not known SECTION VII - RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS: Biosafety level 2 practices, containment equipment and facilities for activities involving clinical specimens and cultures PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Laboratory coat; gloves when direct contact with infectious materials is unavoidable OTHER PRECAUTIONS: None SECTION VIII - HANDLING INFORMATION SPILLS: Allow aerosols to settle; wear protective clothing; gently cover spill with paper towels and apply a suitable disinfectant (high level or 1% sodium hypochlorite), starting at perimeter and working towards the centre; allow sufficient contact time before clean up DISPOSAL: Decontaminate before disposal; steam sterilization, chemical disinfection, incineration STORAGE: In sealed containers that are appropriately labelled SECTION IX - MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION Date prepared: January 2000 Prepared by: Office of Laboratory Security, PHAC Although the information, opinions and recommendations contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet are compiled from sources believed to be reliable, we accept no responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or reliability or for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information. Newly discovered hazards are frequent and this information may not be completely up to date. Copyright © [Material Safety Data Sheets - Index]
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Last Updated: 2001-01-23 | ![]() |