Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium, found in marine sediments and in sand, in camel, horse, and donkey dung, feces of dogs, cats and birds, human genital tract, intestinal tract of humans and in their feces, and generally in hospital environment. It is responsible for nearly all gastrointestinal infections, ranging from mild diarrhea to severe or even fatal colitis, that follow antibiotic therapy. Short spores are noticeable scattered among the long bacterial cells. Prevention and control of Clostridium difficile is very important and may be achieved by strongly adhering to hand washing and a proper handling of contaminated wastes. This image shows long bacterial cells and small spores. Enhanced SEM. Image width: 42.8 micrometers. Magnification: 2336x if the image is printed 10 cm wide.