Final answer:
Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, and pediculosis are diseases requiring contact precautions due to their potential for transmission through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to contact precautions, which are specific infection control protocols used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of diseases that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment. The diseases that require contact precautions from the options provided are:
- Clostridium difficile
- Escherichia coli
- Pediculosis
Clostridium difficile is particularly known for causing severe diarrhea and colitis, often in hospital settings, and requires strict contact precautions due to its ability to survive for long periods on surfaces and its resistance to certain hand hygiene products like alcohol hand rubs. Transmission of Escherichia coli, especially the pathogenic strains, can occur via contact with contaminated surfaces or fecal matter. Pediculosis, or lice infestation, also necessitates contact precautions to prevent spreading through personal items or close physical contact.
Note that diseases like rubella, mumps, and pertussis are primarily airborne and would not be classified under contact precautions but under droplet precautions.