Miscellaneous - Introduction

This section will cover various miscellaneous topics in endocrinology. Just click on the menus to the right to go to the subject you are interested in.

Infection control and prevention 

Clostridium difficile is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. It commonly affects people who have been recently treated with antibiotics. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include diarrhea, high temperature and painful abdominal cramps. It is a hardy bacterial that is able to survive on many hospital surfaces so it is important to wash hands with soap and water, as alcohol hand sanitizer is ineffective. It can be treated by a course of antibiotics. In more severe cases, room isolation may be required or bowel repair may be necessary.

Carbapenemase-producing organisms are bacteria that have become resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The main risk factors for this bacteria is having been in a hospital abroad, in a UK hospital which has been treating patients for this bacteria, or having exposure to others who have had this bacteria infection. The screening method requires a swab to be inserted into the rectum or sometimes a stool sample may also be required. Good hand hygiene will reduce the spread of these bacteria. Treatment should be conducted with the guidance of a microbiologist.