What action is necessary to effectively eliminate C. diff spores?

To effectively eliminate C. diff spores, washing hands with soap and water is essential. C. difficile is a resilient bacterium that produces spores capable of surviving harsh environments, making them particularly difficult to eradicate. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against many pathogens, they do not reliably kill C. diff spores. This limitation makes handwashing the preferred method, as the physical action of scrubbing with soap and water helps dislodge and rinse away the spores.

In healthcare settings, the use of soap and water is recommended after potential exposure to C. diff, such as after caring for an infected patient or touching contaminated surfaces. Washing hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds is key to ensuring that any spores are not only removed but also flushed away. Other options, like using disinfectant wipes, may help clean surfaces but are not sufficient to ensure that spores are fully eliminated from hands, which can lead to potential transmission.