A recent US medical study has revealed a concerning disparity in Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, suggesting that white individuals are at a significantly higher risk of contracting the dangerous intestinal illness compared to other groups.
C. diff is a severe infection that causes debilitating diarrhea, fever, abdominal swelling, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. It notoriously strikes after courses of antibiotics. While antibiotics fight off harmful bacteria, they can also wipe out the “good” bacteria that protect the gut, allowing C. diff to thrive.
The research, published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, points to potential reasons for this vulnerability. One leading hypothesis is a difference in the natural composition of gut bacteria (the microbiome) among different ethnicities.
Furthermore, the study noted that white individuals also have a relatively higher rate of prolonged antibiotic use—a primary risk factor for this specific infection. Experts stress that avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, strict hygiene, and the use of probiotics (like yogurt) are crucial steps in preventing the disease and maintaining gut health.
