Bottom Line: Study Finds Shoes Major Source of C. Diff

Shoe soles had highest positivity rates, with 45 percent of samples testing positive for bacteria

By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor


Clostridium difficile or C. diff – a bacteria that causes inflammation of the colon and severe diarrhea – is widely prevalent in non-healthcare settings in the United States and around the world, according to a new study. In a worldwide sample, 26 percent of environmental samples from healthcare and non-healthcare sites tested positive for C. diff strains. Shoe soles had the highest positivity rates, with 45 percent of samples testing positive for the bacteria. C. diff is responsible for nearly half a million infections and 15,000 deaths in the United States each year. Until now, its presence in community settings has been largely overlooked.

“C. diff infection was known historically as a hospital-associated infection, and efforts to reduce the infection and control its spread have been focused on hospitals and long-term care facilities,” said Jinhee Jo, a postdoctoral infectious disease fellow at the University of Houston and presenting author. “Recently, cases of community-acquired C. diff have been increasing, which suggests the need for broader community stewardship.”

From 2014 to 2017, researchers collected samples from public areas, healthcare settings, and shoe soles in the United States and 11 other countries. They compared the rates of C. diff positivity between settings, including shoe soles, which were investigated for their potential role in environmental transmission.

“The results of this study shift our understanding of C. diff, including where it is found, how it is transmitted, and who it affects,” says Kevin W. Garey, Pharm.D., M.S., FASHP. “We can no longer think of C. diff as only existing in healthcare settings, and the population at risk is no longer just the very sick patient in the hospital. Identifying that person at risk anywhere in the world should become a priority regardless of whether the person is in a hospital or the community.”

Everyone can take action to prevent infection and reduce the spread of C. diff in the community. Simple measures include practicing proper hand hygiene, cleaning surfaces with chemical disinfectants, and removing shoes before entering a home or common space.

“The bottoms of your shoes aren’t clean,” said Dr. Jo. “They may introduce harmful bacteria into your bathroom or kitchen, which could make you sick. The next time you’re coming in from outside, take off your shoes before you enter a highly trafficked room and help reduce the risk of catching C. difficile.”



October 15, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

EVS Leadership Culture Critical in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Sepsis

Cleaning is an essential yet complex component for the prevention of HAI-induced sepsis.


Man Dies by Suicide in Emergency Department Waiting Room at Kansas Hospital

No staff or patients were harmed, and the man was alone in the waiting area when he shot himself.


McCarthy Completes North Tower at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

The new $664 million, eight-floor acute care tower expands access to advanced medical services for the Southern California region.


Wesley Rehabilitation Center Specializes in Patients from Design to Care

Barge Design Solutions knew that patients were at the core of the design process.


Casa Colina Center for Disorders of Consciousness Officially Opens

New program addresses critical need for patients with severe brain injuries.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.