Way2Cure

Health A-Z

What is C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)?

C. diff is a nickname for a bacterium whose full name is Clostridioides difficile (klos-TRID-e-OY-dees dif-uh-SEEL). This bacterium can infect your colon (large intestine), causing diarrhea and other symptoms.

Bacterial infections in your colon are common, and most aren’t serious. But C. diff infection can be more aggressive and harmful to your colon. It can cause severe colitis, known as pseudomembranous colitis.