The C Diff Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, founded in 2012 by Nancy C. Caralla of New Port Richey. Caralla is a nurse who was diagnosed and treated for Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) infections. Before she acquired the infections on two separate occasions (08-09/11-12), her own father became ill and ultimately died from complications of the infection. It took her a long time to recover from her own illness and was unable to work for quite awhile. Through this journey, Caralla recognized the need for greater awareness.
The C Diff Foundation furthers awareness through education about research being conducted by the government, industry, academia. They advocate on behalf of patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers worldwide working to address the public health threat posed by this devastating infection.
The C Diff Foundation and their volunteers successfully “Raise C. diff. Awareness” nationwide and in thirty-eight countries. They host a free US nationwide hotline (1-844-FOR-CDIF) to support health care providers, patients and their families to manage through the difficulties of a C. diff… infection among many other patient focused programs. Caralla stated that the telesupport network receives 3000 calls a year. They have 160 volunteers around the globe.
Clostridium difficile is a common bacteria found in the gut, but there are circumstances in which the bacteria can become a problem and create infection. C. diff. can proliferate in individuals with a suppressed immune system, those who have undergone extensive antibiotic therapy or in those who have had long stays in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
C. diff. infection is categorized as the most common healthcare associated infection (HAI) in the United States. The infection is most prevalent in the elderly population.
C. diff. infection causes inflammation of the colon (colitis) and symptoms of the infection include:
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Watery diarrhea (at least three bowel movements per day for two or more days)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain/tenderness
Antibiotics cause a disruption in the normal intestinal flora which leads to an overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria in the colon. Under normal conditions, other bacterial strains are able to keep the population of C. diff. in check. With the over usage of antibiotics, a decrease in levels of these good bacterial strains allow harmful bacteria such as C. diff. to take a strong hold.
A 2012 study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, explains that in recent years, a more virulent strain of C. diff. has emerged with “increased toxin production and high-level resistance to fluoroquinolones [antibacterial agents].” Researchers have found that genetically, C. diff. is highly versatile and has mechanisms in place to adapt functionality in response to environmental changes. Because of this versatility, more virulent strains are likely to continue to emerge. Severe cases of C. diff. infection are now being seen in populations with lower risk factors.
According to the CDC, C. difficile was estimated to cause almost half a million infections in the United States in 2011, and a 2015 CDC study indicated that 29,000 died within 30 days of the initial diagnosis. Older adults, who take antibiotics and also get medical care are most at risk.
In addition, the CDC study estimated 15,000 deaths are directly attributable to C. difficile infections, making them a substantial cause of infectious disease death in the United States.
There is additional information available through the CDC to help prevent and manage C. diff. infection. http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/cdiff/Cdiff_infect.html
The C Diff Foundation’s global telesupport network is also a valuable resource. The foundation explains, “This program is not only for those diagnosed with this gastrointestinal infection, for their families, clinicians, and C. diff… survivors continuing their recovery from a prolonged illness — but for any individual seeking support and information. All are welcome to register, learn and participate.”
The free telesupport presentations are delivered by topic expert healthcare providers and C. difficile infection survivors (Certified C Diff Foundation Volunteer Patient Advocates) who are able to share validated and accurate information with the general public. Each session also provides an opportunity for callers to ask questions and receive answers. These sessions are informational only and not intended to replace the diagnosis and medical treatment of the patient’s healthcare provider.
In order to register for the telesupport program call, 1-844-FOR-CDIF.
You can also visit http://www.cdifffoundation.org/ for more information.
“Our Foundation is without borders as our outreach expands over horizons dedicated in our mission: Educating and advocating for C. difficile infection prevention, treatments, and environmental safety worldwide to end the suffering from this infection and help save lives,” states Nancy C. Caralla, Founder and Executive Director.