For which infection is an alcohol-based hand rub not recommended?

For which infection is an alcohol-based hand rub not recommended?

• A. Giardia
• B. Clostridium difficile
• C. Rotavirus
• D. Staphylococcus aureus

Answer: (B)

An alcohol-based hand rub is not effective against Clostridium difficile, which is a spore-forming bacterium that causes significant gastrointestinal infections. The spores produced by C. difficile are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Effective hand hygiene for preventing the spread of this microorganism requires thorough handwashing with soap and water, as this method physically removes the spores from the skin. In contrast, the other infections listed can typically be managed with alcohol-based hand rubs to some extent. Giardia, while a protozoan parasite, can be reduced in number with alcohol sanitizers but is best managed with thorough handwashing. Rotavirus, a virus that causes gastrointestinal illness, is also significantly reduced by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, can be effectively killed or inactivated by alcohol-based hand rubs. This highlights the unique nature of Clostridium difficile in the context of infection control and hygiene practices.

An alcohol-based hand rub is not effective against Clostridium difficile, which is a spore-forming bacterium that causes significant gastrointestinal infections. The spores produced by C. difficile are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Effective hand hygiene for preventing the spread of this microorganism requires thorough handwashing with soap and water, as this method physically removes the spores from the skin.

In contrast, the other infections listed can typically be managed with alcohol-based hand rubs to some extent. Giardia, while a protozoan parasite, can be reduced in number with alcohol sanitizers but is best managed with thorough handwashing. Rotavirus, a virus that causes gastrointestinal illness, is also significantly reduced by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, can be effectively killed or inactivated by alcohol-based hand rubs. This highlights the unique nature of Clostridium difficile in the context of infection control and hygiene practices.