Can Fomites Harbor C. Difficile?

Transmission by contaminated fomites also is possible. C. difficile spores may remain viable for up to five months in the environment.

How long does C. diff bacteria live on surfaces?

C. difficile spores can be shed to the environment by both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients and may survive for up to 5 months on inanimate surfaces (17).

Can you get C. diff from surfaces?

C-diff or Clostridium difficile is shed in feces. Any surface, device, or material (e.g., commodes, bathing tubs, and rectal thermometers) that becomes contaminated with feces may serve as a reservoir for the C-diff spores. The infection is usually spread hand to mouth.