Latest news with #C.diff
DW
a day ago
- Health
- DW
Fecal transplants: Study is a 'wake-up call' for the field – DW – 06/06/2025
They are hailed as a promising method to restore gut microbiomes, but a study suggests fecal transplants may bring unintended health risks. Fecal microbial transplants (FMTs) can be traced back to the 4th Century, but it is only since their approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in past decade that the procedure has entered wide practice. They have been hailed as a treatment for Clostridium difficile or a common bacterial infection that can cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. The FDA first approved FMTs as a treatment for in 2013 and approved the first drug for FMT treatment in 2022. Some think FMTs may also be an option for treating Crohn's disease— a chronic autoimmune condition — ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disorder. But researchers warned in a study published June 6, 2025, that FMTs may introduce microbes that could hijack the host environment to suit their needs and thrive, potentially introducing new health risks. The study, which was performed in mice, human tissue samples and with a small volunteer group, found "mismatches" between the donor fecal matter and destination gut environment could have unintended consequences on the recipient's immune and metabolic function. "Even a single FMT will cause a change in the host-microbe relationships in these very different regions of the bowel that may be very difficult to reverse," said Eugene Chang, the study's senior author and a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, US, in a press statement. How does a fecal transplant work? Every human has a unique mix of microbes in their gastrointestinal tract — the gut. This includes trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that perform biological duties within the body. Collectively, this collection of microbes is called gut flora. For some people, this ecosystem of microbes is disrupted by infections, autoimmune issues and other problems. This disrupted state is called gut dysbiosis. FMT donors need to meet a range of requirements: For instance, they must be free of blood-related infections, such as hepatitis and HIV, and they cannot have gut issues themselves. Doctors usually perform a colonoscopy to extract the donor's stool and, after further preparation, insert the donor microbes via a long tube into the recipient's gut. How does a Fecal Microbiota Transplant work? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Colonizing the colon In the study, microbes were taken from three separate regions of the small and large intensities and implanted into mice recipients. Each batch of newly introduced gut flora appeared to take over — or, as described by the researchers, "terraform" — the entire intestinal tract of each mouse, rather than simply occupying the same region they originated from in the donor's gut. The colonizing microbes also transformed genes and proteins in the tissues of the recipient mice to make a more accommodating environment — even at a microbial level, these introduced species appeared to thrive. An assessment in seven human volunteers over a month also found high levels of microbe colonization in the small intestine. Because this caused modifications to immune and metabolic functions, the researchers say greater care should be given to designing fecal transplants that use specific, targeted microbes for the intestines. The gut is not only for digestion To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'wake-up call' for the FMT field The study's lead author, Orlando DeLeon, University of Chicago, said it was a "wake-up call to the field that maybe we shouldn't willy-nilly put large bowel microbes into different parts of the intestine that shouldn't be there." OMT — omni microbial transplantation — administers a batch of good gut flora as a pill or through endoscopy, targeting specific intestinal regions with "matched" microbes. DeLeon said it's a better way forward for fecal transplants. "The microbes that were supposed to be there are better suited for it," said DeLeon, "so they're more naturally going to fill it even in the presence of other microbes." DW approached the research group for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. Ed Kuijper, an expert at the Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands, who was not involved in the study, told DW via email that the research "clearly demonstrates that FMT […] affects the microbiota composition throughout the entire intestinal tract, in both humans and mice." But Kuijper said he had concerns with the conclusion that FMT leads to "microbiota mismatches" and "unintended consequences" in various regions of the intestinal tract. Just as the research team acknowledged the limitations of only investigating seven human subjects over a month, Kuijper said a more extensive assessment in patients would be important to conclusively assess the potential negative health outcomes of fecal transplants. "A more appropriate conclusion would be that FMT induces changes in both the small and large intestines in mice, with systemic effects that vary depending on the region affected. It remains unclear if these changes persist in humans." In Europe, an inter-organization group called EurFMT exchanges research and information, and maintains a continental registry for patient follow-up. Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Ferring Presents New Phase 3b Safety and Effectiveness Data for Recurrent
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ferring Pharmaceuticals presented initial findings from the investigational Phase 3b multi-center, single-arm CDI-SCOPE study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of REBYOTA ® (fecal microbiota, live – jslm) when administered by colonoscopy. REBYOTA is the first microbiome-based therapy approved for the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection (CDI) in individuals 18 years of age and older, following antibiotic treatment for C. diff infection. These data were presented at Digestive Disease Week 2025 (DDW2025) from May 3-6 in San Diego, CA. The single-arm CDI-SCOPE study demonstrated that treatment with REBYOTA administered by colonoscopy was safe. Only 5 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) – occurring in 9.8% (4/41) of participants – were considered possibly related to REBYOTA, all of which were mild in intensity and related to the gastrointestinal tract. Two participants withdrew consent and did not complete the 8-week follow-up assessment. "Colonoscopies are routinely used by physicians managing patients with recurrent C. difficile infection," said Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, M.D., F.A.C.G., A.G.A.F., Yale School of Medicine and PACT-Gastroenterology Center, a lead investigator of CDI-SCOPE. "The insights gained from this investigative study point to administration via colonoscopy as a promising potential option for physicians to consider for their patients." A second abstract from the CDI-SCOPE study reported the burden of rCDI on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and any improvements after treatment among 73.2% (30/41) participants. Prior to REBYOTA treatment, the most experienced rCDI symptoms were diarrhea (100%, 30/30), abdominal pain (70.0%, 21/30), and fatigue or weakness (46.7%, 14/30). All participants (100%, 30/30) reported that CDI recurrence impacted their daily living, including disrupting their sleep and forcing them to be near a bathroom at all times. Most participants also said that rCDI affected their social life and relationships (96.7%, 29/30) and their emotional wellbeing (93.3%, 28/30). Following treatment with REBYOTA, 89.7% of participants (26/29) saw an improvement in their symptoms within the first month, and more than half (51.7%, 15/29) felt an improvement within the first week. Symptom severity rating scores (0-10, none to worst) decreased significantly at Week 8 for diarrhea (from 8.9 to 1.3), abdominal pain (from 7.5 to 1.6), and fatigue (from 8.1 to 1.7). 'Recurrent CDI is a life-altering condition that many patients in our CDI-SCOPE trial called 'a literal living nightmare' that makes it impossible to function,' said Raza Ahmed, MD, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 'We are proud that REBYOTA has become an important, therapy for many patients who, for too long, were stuck in an agonizing cycle of CDI recurrence. With the data we are presenting this week at DDW, Ferring is continuing its commitment to supporting patients living with rCDI and their physicians by broadening the breadth of evidence.' A third CDI-SCOPE abstract showed that 90% of the physicians who completed the 41 colonoscopy procedures in the study had a 'positive' or 'very positive' experience across all aspects of administration, including the material preparation time and ease of passage through the colonoscope. One investigator reported their experience as 'somewhat negative' citing difficulty with connecting REBYOTA to the colonoscope. All 39 patients who completed 8-week visits were assessed by the physicians as either having 'much improved' or 'very much improved' on the clinical global impression – improvement scale (CGI-I). Additional Data from PUNCH™ Clinical Program Along with the data from CDI-SCOPE, Ferring also reported two analyses with data from the PUNCH™ clinical trial program. This included: Results from an integrated safety analysis of five clinical trials (n=1192) demonstrating a favorable safety profile with REBYOTA across all trials in the development program, including in participants with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunocompromising comorbidities. TEAEs were reported in 70.9% of patients who received REBYOTA, most of which were mild or moderate in severity and related to the gastrointestinal tract. Serious TEAEs were reported in 14.3% of patients receiving REBYOTA, most of which were related to rCDI and/or preexisting conditions, with few events (<1%) being considered possibly related to treatment. There was no clustering of serious TEAEs, including in comorbid subgroups. This new exploratory analysis of the PUNCH™ CD3 trial in which improvements in HRQoL were associated with changes in microbiome and metabolome composition. In a previous exploratory analysis, patients who responded to REBYOTA vs. placebo had a healthier gut microbiome composition with an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Bacteroidia and Clostridia) and a decrease in other bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli). This new analysis found that the greatest improvements in HRQoL – as measured using the disease-specific C. difficile Quality of Life Survey (Cdiff32), which examines physical, mental and social domains – were associated with the mental health domain, with the largest improvements associated with higher levels of Bacteroidia and Clostridia and lower levels of other bacteria. To learn more about REBYOTA and other information, please visit or About C. diff infection C. diff infection is a serious and potentially deadly infection that impacts people across the globe. The C. diff bacterium causes debilitating symptoms, such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness or pain, loss of appetite, nausea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon). 1 C. diff infection can be the start of a vicious cycle of recurrence, causing a significant burden for patients and the healthcare system. 2,3 It has been estimated that up to 35% of C. diff infection cases recur after initial diagnosis and people who have had a recurrence are at significantly higher risk of further infections. 4,5,6,7 After the first recurrence, it has been estimated that up to 65% of patients may develop a subsequent recurrence. 6,7 Antibiotics – the current standard of care for treatment of C. diff infection – treat the disease but can also be a contributing factor to the cycle of recurrence. 1 About REBYOTA REBYOTA is a pre-packaged, single-dose 150 mL microbiota suspension for rectal administration consisting of a liquid mix of up to trillions of live microbes – including Bacteroides. REBYOTA is delivered directly to the gut microbiome and is administered by a healthcare professional in one visit. INDICATION REBYOTA (fecal microbiota, live – jslm) is indicated for the prevention of recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection in individuals 18 years of age and older, following antibiotic treatment for recurrent C. diff infection. Limitation of Use REBYOTA is not indicated for the treatment of C. diff infection. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION You should not receive REBYOTA if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to REBYOTA or any of its components. You should report to your doctor any infection you think you may have acquired after administration. REBYOTA may contain food allergens. Most common side effects may include stomach pain (8.9%), diarrhea (7.2%), bloating (3.9%), gas (3.3%), and nausea (3.3%). REBYOTA has not been studied in patients below 18 years of age. Clinical studies did not determine if adults 65 years of age and older responded differently than younger adults. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit or call 1-800-332-1088. Please click to see the full Prescribing Information. About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately-owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. In the United States, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine, and in areas of gastroenterology and orthopaedics. We are at the forefront of innovation in microbiome-based therapeutics and uro-oncology intravesical gene therapy. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland. Ferring employs more than 7,000 people worldwide and markets its medicines in over 100 countries. Ferring USA is based in Parsippany, New Jersey, and employs more than 900 employees. For more information, please visit call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464), or connect with us on LinkedIn, and X. About DDW 2025 Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW is an in-person and online meeting from May 3-6, 2025. The meeting showcases more than 5,600 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is C. diff? 7 Sep. 2022. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report: Clostridioides difficile. 23 Nov. 2021. Available at: Feuerstadt P, et al. Healthcare resource utilization and direct medical costs associated with index and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: a real-world data analysis. J Med Econ. 2020;23(6):603-609. Riddle DJ, Dubberke ER. Clostridium difficile infection in the intensive care unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2009;23(3):727-743. Nelson WW, et al. Health care resource utilization and costs of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in the elderly: a real-world claims analysis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2021 Jul;27(7):828-838. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.20395. Epub 2021 Mar 11. Kelly, CP. Can we identify patients at high risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012;18 (Suppl. 6): 21–27. Smits WK, et al. Clostridium difficile
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Central Illinois hospitals graded on safety
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — While Illinois' hospital ratings as a whole have improved since the fall inspection, all hospitals in Central Illinois that were graded by LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade this spring received a 'C' grade or lower. LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluates facilities on everything from patient record systems to the rate of infection after a surgery. States are ranked based on the number of 'A' hospitals they have. This spring, Illinois was ranked 20, up three places from the fall. 2 years later: UI researcher hopes to prevent deadly dust storms, wants more policy change Nine hospitals in Central Illinois, however, received grades that some may consider less than satisfactory. This includes hospitals in Urbana, Decatur, Springfield, Danville, Mattoon and Effingham. You can find a full list of hospital grades in Illinois here. Carle Foundation Hospital Carle Foundation Hospital received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections MRSA infection C. diff infections Infections in the blood Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Kidney injury after surgery Safety problems Dangerous bed sores Patient falls and injuries Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Communication about discharge Urbana Park District hires new executive director But, Carle performed worse than average in: Problems with surgery Surgical wound splits open Blood Leakage Serious breathing problem Accidental cuts and tears Safety problems Harmful Events Collapsed lung Dangerous blood clot Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana also received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections Sepsis infection after surgery Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Blood Leakage Safety problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Collapsed lung Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Staff work together to prevent errors Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Effective leadership to prevent errors Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients The categories that the OSF location in Urbana performed worse than average include: Urbana set to host inauguration ceremony for mayor-elect, city council, officials Infections Infection in the blood Infection in the urinary tract Problems with surgery Serious breathing problem Safety problems Patient falls and injuries Falls causing broken hips Practices to prevent errors Handwashing HSHS St. Mary's Hospital HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur received an F grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Blood Leakage Safety problems Collapsed lung Air or gas bubble in the blood But, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital performed worse than average in: Decatur Police issue 24 'handsfree' citations in Distracted Driving Awareness Month Problems with surgery Death from treatable serious complications Kidney injury after surgery Serious breathing problem Safety problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Communication about medicines Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients Responsiveness of hospital staff Decatur Memorial Hospital Decatur Memorial Hospital received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections Infection in the urinary tract Sepsis infection after surgery Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Surgical wound splits open Serious breathing problem Safety problems Harmful Events Collapsed lung Air or gas bubble in the blood But, Decatur Memorial Hospital performed worse than average in: Millikin University pens partnership with Heartland Community College Infections Surgical site infection after colon surgery Problems with surgery Blood Leakage Accidental cuts and tears Safety problems Dangerous blood clot Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients HSHS St. John's Hospital HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield received a D grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections C. diff infection Infection in the urinary tract Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Surgical wound splits open Blood Leakage Safety problems Falls causing broken hips Air or gas bubble in the blood But, HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield performed worse than average in: 'Skeletal remains' ID'd as missing Sangamon Co. man Problems with surgery Death from treatable serious complications Kidney injury after surgery Serious breathing problem Safety problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Collapsed lung Dangerous blood clot Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Communication about medicines Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients Responsiveness of hospital staff Springfield Memorial Hospital Springfield Memorial Hospital received a D grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections MRSA infection Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Surgical wound splits open Kidney injury after surgery Safety problems Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Communication about discharge But, Springfield Memorial Hospital performed worse than average in: Impact Life supports Chatham with blood donations after hospitals ask for extra help Infections Infection in the blood Surgical site infection after colon surgery Sepsis infection after surgery Problems with surgery Blood Leakage Safety Problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Falls causing broken hips Collapsed lung Collapsed lung Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients Responsiveness of hospital staff OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Safety Problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Staff work together to prevent errors Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Effective leadership to prevent errors Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients But, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville performed worse than average in: Bresee Tower demolition to cause 'extended' closure of Danville's Main Street Infections Sepsis infection after surgery Problems with surgery Sepsis infection after surgery Safety Problems Blood Leakage Practices to prevent errors Handwashing Communication about medicines Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients Communication with doctors Responsiveness of hospital staff Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections Surgical site infection after colon surgery Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Blood Leakage Safety Problems Patient falls and injuries Falls causing broken hips Collapsed lung Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Communication about medicines Communication about discharge Staff work together to prevent errors Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Effective leadership to prevent errors Communication with nurses Responsiveness of hospital staff But, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center performed worse than average in: Infection MRSA infection Infection in the urinary tract Sepsis infection after surgery Problems with surgery Death from treatable serious complications Safety Problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Dangerous blood clot HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham received a C grade. The hospital performed better than average in: Infections C. diff infection Problems with surgery Dangerous object left in patient's body Safety Problems Harmful Events Dangerous bed sores Air or gas bubble in the blood Practices to prevent errors Communication about medicines Communication about discharge Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Communication with doctors Communication with nurses Responsiveness of hospital staff But, HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham performed worse than average in: Problems with surgery Surgical wound splits open Practices to prevent errors Doctors order medications through a computer Safe medication administration Handwashing Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rockford hospitals receive mixed safety grades; Illinois shows improvement
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — While Illinois ranked 20th in the nation on the annual safety report, each received a B, a C, and a D, respectively. The 2025 Leapfrog Group report grades hospitals on 22 safety measures, including hand hygiene, falls and trauma, and death rates among surgical patients. In total, 35 Illinois hospitals earned 'A' grades, moving the state up the ranking from 30th last year. In Rockford, OSF Saint Anthony Hospital earned the highest grade in the city, a scoring worse than average on surgical site infections after colon surgery, blood clots, and responsive staff, but average or higher than average on nearly all other safety criteria. UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital rating, scoring average to better than average on infections, but worse than average on practices to prevent errors, handwashing, and doctor-patient communication. And Javon Bea Mercyhealth – Rockton scoring worse than average on MRSA, C. diff, and blood infections, death from treatable complications, collapsed lung and blood clot issues, prescription communication issues, and issues surrounding specially trained doctors in the ICU. Javon Bea Mercyhealth – Riverside was not listed. Beloit Memorial Hospital grade; FHN Memorial in Freeport ; OSF St. Katharine Medical Center in Dixon . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning over surge in terrifying bug that kills up to one in five people it infects - 'corridor care' in NHS hospitals is to blame
Cases of a potentially killer infection that can spread rampantly in hospitals have surged by a third in a year, health officials have warned. Clostridioides difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a highly contagious bacteria that causes diarrhoea. While mild for most people it can trigger life-threatening complications and kills up to one in five patients that fall ill with it. Now, in a report, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said the number of cases seen in 2023-24 was 29.5 per 100,000 people. This is a 33 per cent rise since 2020-21 and the highest level seen in over a decade, the body said. C. diff is considered to be the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, those that happen when a patient is in hospital. The bug, which initially infects the bowel, is highly resistant to both heat and most disinfectant products. According to the new UKHSA report, the overwhelmed NHS could be to blame for the worrying surge. This UK Health Security Agency Chart shows the % increase in C. diff cases over time. Officials said not only were cases on the rise, the rate of the increase seemed to be accelerating The agency said corridor care — the practice of caring for patients in hallways amid a lack of available beds — could be leading to overwhelmed staff not following infection prevention control (IPC) methods. 'As corridor-care occurs when the system is under pressure, it is reasonable to assume difficulties with IPC compliance, not only due to stretched healthcare workers but also because, the tools for IPC, such as hand-wash basins, will not be as readily accessible in a non-clinical area,' they wrote. 'Further, cleaning standards for non-clinical areas (such as corridors) are less thorough than for clinical areas.' This, combined with the crowded nature of A&Es, could make such areas a potential source of C. diff infections. The agency added the role of corridor care in the rise of C. diff was currently the subject of research. Corridor care has now become so routine in parts of the NHS that some hospitals are now recruiting dedicated 'corridor medics' to staff these areas. And a damming report by the Royal College of Physicians earlier this year found four in five hospital medics had been forced to treat patients in 'unsuitable' public spaces. One doctor said a patient had died due to being positioned too far away from life-saving equipment. The latest NHS data, covering March, shows one in three A&E patients in England was forced to wait at least four hours to be seen. Estimates from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine suggest more than 1.5million patients were forced to wait 12 hours for care in 2023. UKHSA added that the massive increase in waiting lists for treatment post-Covid pandemic could also be contributing to the rise. As of the end of the last year the number of patients waiting for routine care in England was 7.5million. While this was a decrease from a peak of 7.7million in September 2023, it is still one-and-a-half times higher than in 2020. UKHSA said patients waiting for long periods for treatment are more likely to need antibiotics and this could be leaving them vulnerable to C. diff. Antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the bacteria that normally live in the bowel, increasing the risk of a C. diff infection. The bug becomes life threatening if the bacteria infect other parts of the body outside the bowel. This can trigger sepsis, a life-threatening over-reaction from the immune system to an infection. Another potential complication is the bacteria spilling into other areas of the abdomen causing a potentially deadly infection called peritonitis. The latest data from UKHSA showed fatality rates for C. diff were highest among the over 85s at nearly 20 per cent. Fatality rates decreased with age with patients between 45-to-64 years of age only have a 5 per cent chance of dying. 'Not only have rates [of increased year on year from 2020, but the rate of change over time is accelerating,' UKHSA wrote. The body added that while hospitals accounted for the greatest source of C. diff infections, cases had also increased seen in the community. C. diff is spread by spores in infected patients' faeces that can survive for an extremely long time in the environment. This allows them to be spread by people who have been in contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of a C. diff infection include diarrhoea, a high temperature, loss of appetite, nausea and stomach pain. People who have had diarrhoea and recently taken antibiotics, have any bloody diarrhoea or have had diarrhoea for a week or more should contact NHS 111 or their GP for advice.
