Final answer:
The most effective treatment for C. difficile disease is to stop antibiotic use and begin supportive therapy, with metronidazole or vancomycin as specific treatments. Fecal transplants are highly successful, particularly in cases of recurrent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective way to treat C. difficile disease involves multiple strategies. Initially, discontinuing the use of antibiotics that may have precipitated the infection is crucial, along with supportive care including fluid and electrolyte replacement. If specific treatment is required, the antibiotic metronidazole is often the preferred choice for a confirmed diagnosis; however, vancomycin is also an option, especially in cases where metronidazole is not suitable or has been ineffective.
Another important treatment, particularly in recurrent cases of C. difficile, is a fecal transplant, also known as a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This procedure has a high success rate of over 90% and works by restoring the balance of the microbiota in the gut. Probiotic supplements may also help in re-establishing the microbial community in the intestine but are usually considered as supplementary to the main treatments.