C. diff infections surge across England, with the North West hardest hit
Analysis shows Clostridioides difficile cases in England rose by over 50% between 2020 and 2025, reaching nearly 19,000 annually, especially in the North West.
A five-year review of UK Health Security Agency figures reveals that Clostridioides difficile infections in England have climbed by almost 52%, from 12,500 cases in 2020/21 to 18,957 in 2024/25, averaging around 19,000 annually. The North West region, encompassing Liverpool and Manchester, now reports 46.5 cases per 100,000 residents, a 64% increase, making its rate roughly two and a half times that of London, which sits at 18.8 per 100,000.
Other regions such as the South West, Midlands, North East, Yorkshire and the East of England also show notable rises. The highly contagious bacterium spreads through durable spores in faeces, leading to frequent, severe diarrhoea and, in about one in seven cases, life-threatening complications like peritonitis. Researchers from TrialMed suggest the trend reflects a mix of demographic shifts, antibiotic prescribing habits, overall population health and the concentration of vulnerable patients.
A survey of over 1,000 NHS staff found that nearly 80% were unsure of proper hygiene steps to prevent C. diff, and one-fifth admitted they do not routinely test diarrhoeal patients for the bug. Experts stress that timely diagnosis and improved infection-control measures are essential to curb the rising burden.
Why it matters
Rising C. diff cases threaten patient safety and strain the NHS, highlighting gaps in infection control and antibiotic stewardship.
In this story
