Clostridium difficile (klos-TRID-e-um dif-uh-SEEL), also known as Clostridioides difficile and often referred to as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon.Inflammation of the colon caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile. Clostridium difficile colitis results from disruption of normal, healthy bacteria in the colon, often as a result of antibiotics. C. difficile can also be transmitted from person to person by spores. It can cause severe damage to the colon and even be fatal. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pain and fever. Treatment includes antibiotics. Even when treated with antibiotics, the infection may come back. In rare cases, faecal transplant or surgery may be needed.