information:filtering
Host range

C. diff is common in the human digestive system. However, it is often outcompeted for nutrients by other bacteria, limiting its spread. If the sudden introduction of an antibiotic disrupts the microbiome, C. diff may be able to grow as many of its competitors die. The incubation period is 5–10 days, with a range of 1 day to weeks following antibiotic treatment. Additionally, carriage of C. diff with high levels of toxins is common in young children, while disease is rare. The production of one or even both toxins is not always sufficient for producing symptoms.