Question

"Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that is often found in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals. It is also a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. Most individuals who become ill with C. difficile do so following antibiotic treatment. This information suggests that C. difficile"

Answer 1

Answer: The information suggests that C. difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections usually as a result of antibiotics use.

Explanation: Antibiotics are employed to inhibit or kill bacteria. When used properly, they target aggressive bacteria that are causing infections. But sometimes healthy gut bacteria are killed in the process (normal healthy gut bacteria helps keep C. difficile in check) creating a vacuum which with increasing frequency, C. difficile seizes, and proliferates — especially in hospitalized patients, many of whom are not so strong to withstand the stress of diarrhea and fever.

Some of these antibiotics that most often lead to C. difficile infections include the quinolones, cephalosporines etc. including some proton-pump medications.