The use of antibiotics could be contributing to the spread of C. difficile according to scientists who say that the results may require widespread changes in how hospitals care for patients.

In creating an animal model of a hospital, the researchers at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute found that the incidence of antibiotics actually increased the number of spores of the fungus that were spread by diseased study subjects.

Those not given antibiotics released fewer spores, and the disease failed to spread to other animals as a result.

The risk grows because of environmental contamination; the scientists found that antibiotic-prescribed study subjects led to an environment that remained filled with potential pathogens, even before they showed signs of symptoms.

"Until now, animal studies have focussed on the observable, acute symptoms of C. difficile," said lead author Dr Trevor Lawley. "But, to understand how this highly infectious pathogen spreads, investigating the entire cycle of transmission is absolutely vital."

Good hygiene may help in limiting the spread of superbugs like c. difficile that are antibiotic-resistant. Some research has linked silver-based antiseptic products to lower bacteria levels.