C. difficile Bacteria Quiz

Why were the C. difficile bacteria named 'difficile'?

• Because they are difficult to grow in the lab

• Because they cause hard-to-treat gut infections

• Because they are common in nature

• Because they can survive in the human gut

Where are C. difficile bacteria commonly found?

• In the air

• In the human gut

• In the ocean

• In the lab

What is the surprising weakness of C. difficile bacteria?

• They are easily killed by oxygen

• They cannot survive in the human gut

• They cannot form protective coverings

• They cannot multiply

What happens when sick people take antibiotics?

• C. difficile bacteria multiply rapidly

• Helpful gut microorganisms are killed

• C. difficile bacteria become harmless

• The gut lining becomes smooth and healthy

What do C. difficile bacteria do in the gut?

• Produce powerful poisons

• Eat the dead cells of the gut lining

• Escape into the blood

• All of the above

What are the most common symptoms of a C. difficile infection?

• Bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain

• Fever, headache, and sore throat

• Cough, runny nose, and sneezing

• Muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite

How can C. difficile infections be treated?

• With hand cleaners

• With antibiotics

• With acids

• With oxygen

What can cause a C. difficile infection to come back?

• Lack of oxygen

• Lack of hand cleaners

• Lack of acids

• Lack of a normal microbiome