Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is CDAD?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

CDAD is the acronym for the medical condition called Clostridium Difficile Associated Disease caused by the bacterium C. difficile. In people with this condition, a bacterium that yields two exotoxins infects the body. These two exotoxins are identified as toxin A and B, or enterotoxin and cytotoxin.

The condition is usually associated with diarrhea and other threatening intestinal problems, such as colitis. Colitis is a digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the colon. It results in tenderness, pain, bleeding, and fever.

A CDAD infection can cause nausea.
A CDAD infection can cause nausea.

The bacterium that causes CDAD is anaerobic and spore forming, which means that it does not require oxygen to grow and to survive. As a result, this bacterium can easily infect a person’s body. The bacteria are commonly found in the feces of people who suffer from the disease. Therefore, CDAD can easily be acquired if a person touches areas contaminated with feces and then puts a hand to his or her mouth or mucous membranes.

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the digestive tract.
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the digestive tract.

Individuals who overuse antibiotics are at a greater risk of developing CDAD. Those at risk also include users of drugs manufactured for stomach ulcers and those who have undergone cytotoxic chemotherapy. CDAD is most commonly found in the elderly, and some home health care providers have been known to spread the disease among patients. To avoid the spread of CDAD, hands should be washed often as possible, particularly when caring for an infected patient.

Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) occurs most frequently among elderly patients.
Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) occurs most frequently among elderly patients.

Some symptoms of a CDAD infection include watery diarrhea three times a day for a few days, fever, appetite loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. Mild cases can be treated if the patient is no longer taking antibiotics for other purposes. Serious cases, on the other hand, may cause dehydration and fatal complications. In such cases, CDAD must be treated with medicine or surgery.

Nearly 70% of individuals who become infected with CDAD survive the infection. It can lead to a condition known as megacolon, however, in which the lower gastrointestinal tract becomes abnormally dilated. If this occurs, it can be fatal.

Discussion Comments

anon226711

Keep taking a double dose of strong probiotics at least three times every day on an empty stomach, especially upon waking with warm (not hot) water. You have got to keep replenishing the colon. Solaray MULTIDOPHILUS-12 with 10 billion good bacteria of 12 different strains in each capsule is a good example. It is best kept refrigerated (not frozen). -- L. Evans

anon77881

give your child some cheese,apple or apple juice,yogurt/buttermilk at meal time for four days and see how his stomach replenishes good bacteria.

azzoli

i have a 7 year old boy who had a cold back around Feb. 2 then got an ear infection about 3 days later he was given amoxicillin for 10 days on the 4th day he got a stomachache and the runs that he still has now doctor#i said gastro problem gave him antacid pills doctor#2 said gas build up gave him gasx doctor#3 said amoxicillin killed good bacteria gave him 4 days of good bacteria still his stomachache everyday worse at night with runs once in a while can anyone help please

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A CDAD infection can cause nausea.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      A CDAD infection can cause nausea.
    • Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the digestive tract.
      By: stockshoppe
      Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the digestive tract.
    • Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) occurs most frequently among elderly patients.
      By: krutoeva
      Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) occurs most frequently among elderly patients.
    • To avoid the spread of CDAD, hands should be washed often as possible, particularly when caring for an infected patient.
      By: perfectmatch
      To avoid the spread of CDAD, hands should be washed often as possible, particularly when caring for an infected patient.
    • Home health care workers have been known to accidentally spread CDAD among elderly patients.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Home health care workers have been known to accidentally spread CDAD among elderly patients.