This happens more often than you may realize: an older hospitalized patient undergoes surgery, with no complications from the operation, but then is stricken with a dangerous bacteria that leaves her seriously ill with devastating gastrointestinal symptoms. The cause: Clostridium difficile, otherwise known as C. diff. Older hospital or nursing home patients, especially those on antibiotics, are particularly at risk for this dangerous bacterial infection that can leave them with weeks or months of diarrhea and even potentially fatal colon inflammation. To learn about the risks, symptoms and treatment options for this common infection in older patients, Read This.