How can the spread of C. difficile infection (c-diff) be effectively prevented?

The effective prevention of C. difficile infections hinges on a comprehensive approach to hygiene, particularly in healthcare settings. Washing hands with soap and water is crucial because C. difficile spores can be resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers, which means that hand washing is necessary to physically remove these spores from hands. Furthermore, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) not only helps prevent the spread of infection from patient to healthcare worker but also protects the worker when interacting with patients who are highly susceptible to infections.

While other methods mentioned, such as the exclusive use of bleach or closed rooms, may play a role in infection control, they do not address the critical component of direct hand hygiene practices. Bleach solutions can effectively kill C. difficile spores on surfaces, but they do not replace the necessity for proper hand hygiene. Also, keeping patient rooms closed may limit exposure but does not actively prevent the transmission of the bacteria when healthcare workers enter and exit those rooms.

Therefore, the combination of proper PPE and thorough handwashing with soap and water stands out as the most effective strategy in preventing the transmission of C. difficile infections, making it the best choice in this scenario.