The Emergence of Clostridium difficile Infection among Peripartum Women: A Case-Control Study of a C. difficile Outbreak on an Obstetrical Service

Table 3

Infection control measures used for an obstetrical service outbreak of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI).

(1) Contact precautions
(a) Intensive education and training in the fundamentals of infection control.
(b) Contact precautions for all suspected and documented CDI cases.
(2) Hygiene
(a) Thorough hand hygiene with soap and water rather than an alcohol-based hand gel when caring for patients with suspected or documented CDI.
(b) Water-based surgical scrub for the first case of the day, and when hands are visibly soiled.
(3) Positive protective equipment (PPE) for potential exposure
(a) Gowns and gloves for contact with any suspected and documented CDI cases.
(b) Frequent change of scrubs and protective garments.
(4) Environmental and equipment cleaning
(a) Extensive environmental cleaning and disinfection of the entire unit and outpatient clinic with a hypochlorite-based disinfectant.
(b) Replace carpet in provider work rooms with laminated hard wood floors
(5) Diagnosis and treatment
(a) Prompt diagnosis of patients with diarrhea.
(b) Prompt treatment of documented CDI or suspected CDI in seriously ill patients.
(c) Good antibiotic stewardship with minimal clindamycin and multiple antibiotic regimen use.