<Tr> <Th> Frequency </Th> <Td> 453,000 (US 2011) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Deaths </Th> <Td> 29,000 (US) </Td> </Tr> <P> Clostridium difficile infection (CDI or C - dif) is a symptomatic infection due to the spore - forming bacterium, Clostridium difficile . Symptoms include watery diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain . It makes up about 20% of cases of antibiotic - associated diarrhea . Complications may include pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, perforation of the colon, and sepsis . </P> <P> Clostridium difficile infection is spread by bacterial spores found within feces . Surfaces may become contaminated with the spores with further spread occurring via the hands of healthcare workers . Risk factors for infection include antibiotic or proton pump inhibitors use, hospitalization, other health problems, and older age . Diagnosis is by stool culture or testing for the bacteria's DNA or toxins . If a person tests positive but has no symptoms, the condition is known as C. difficile colonization rather than an infection . </P>

1. what type of infection is c. diff
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