What is C Diff and Can I Participate in a Medical Trial?

C Diff is short for Clostridium Difficile, a type of bacteria which causes colitis in the colon. C Diff related illness is a severe condition usually affecting older adults, although younger individuals can also contract the disease. Any individual and, especially the elderly, who have conditions requiring long-term use of antibiotics, are most at risk. Also, elderly individuals residing in nursing homes or having spent time in the hospital are more likely to contract the bacterium which increases their risk of the disease. Treatment for the condition is not always successful, and medical trials are underway testing new approaches.

Because this disease can be debilitating or, even life-threatening, it is important to know its sign and symptoms so medical attention can be obtained if C Diff is suspected. This is important for all individuals as well as caregivers for the elderly.

C Diff causes colitis of the colon, a painful inflammation of the colon wall. A person with C Diff usually exhibits the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Watery diarrhea (at least three occurrences for two or more consecutive days)
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Pain or tenderness in the abdominal area.

Medical trials are currently testing new vaccines, but these are not yet approved. Moreover, because these symptoms are also associated with other common ailments such as flu, it is essential for individuals to consider C Diff as a possible cause should these symptoms be noted. C Diff may also be a suspected cause if the individual:

• Has recently been hospitalized,
• Has recently completed treatment for C Diff,
• Has been taking a course of antibiotics, or
• Is a resident of a nursing or long-term care facility.

In any case, should an individual exhibit C Diff like symptoms, a medical evaluation should be carried out by medical professionals. Because there is no approved vaccine for C Diff though medical trials are underway, early identification of the problem is crucial in reducing the ill effects of the disease.

At DM Clinical Research we are currently carrying out medical trials to test a C Diff vaccine in patients at risk for the disease. If you are 60 years of age or older and can answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, you may be a candidate for our medical trials:

• Have you been hospitalized in the last twelve months?
• Have you had two emergency room visits in the last twelve months?
• Have you received antibiotics recently?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions and are 60 years of age or older, you may qualify to be a participant in our C Diff vaccine medical trial. Participants receive, free of charge, the most advanced treatment available for C Diff along with all medical exams, trial materials, lab work, follow-up visits, and, in many cases, compensation for time and travel. If you believe you may qualify, call our C Diff direct line at 832-304-2464 and speak with one of our professional staff. DM Clinical Research is a leader in conducting medical trials to support the professional medical community with the latest in treatments, vaccines, and drugs. Give the C Diff hotline a call today or phone our main office number for additional information, 281-517-0550.