The figures, which were based on the cause of death listing on death certificates between 2005 and 2006, found that the number of deaths attributed to the infection rose by 72 of the cases, it was listed as the underlying cause of death.

C.difficile mainly affects the elderly and treatment with antibiotics can increase the risk of contracting the disease significantly; patients who have compromised immunity or who have recently undergone gastrointestinal surgery are also at higher risk.

In around 3% of healthy adults, C.difficile is found as one of the normal bacteria in the gut, which makes it extremely difficult to eradicate from wards. However, the Department of Health have issued stringent hand-washing guidance, a "bare below the elbows" dress code and ongoing deep-cleaning of wards in order to tackle C.difficule and other hospital infections such as MRSA.

Whilst the number of cases listed as underlying cause of death has increased significantly since 1999, it is thought that one factor may be the better reporting on death certificates and a greater understanding of the disease. According to figures released by the Health Protection Agency in January, rates of infection now appear to be decreasing.

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