Which precaution is necessary due to the ineffectiveness of hand sanitizer against Clostridium difficile?

In the context of Clostridium difficile infections, the primary concern is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective in eliminating spores of this bacteria. C. difficile is known for its resilience, as it can form spores that survive in harsh environments and are resistant to many disinfectants, including hand sanitizers.

Frequent hand washing with soap and water is the recommended approach in this case because it is effective in physically removing the spores from hands. The mechanical action of scrubbing, along with the surfactant action of soap, helps to detach and wash away the spores, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.

Other precautions, while important in infection control, do not address the specific ineffectiveness of hand sanitizers against C. difficile. For instance, glove use and gowning are critical for protection against bodily fluids and preventing contamination, while masks are generally employed to protect against respiratory pathogens. However, to specifically mitigate risks associated with C. difficile, frequent hand washing is the most effective strategy.