Clostridium difficile colitis

Clostridium difficile colitis is an infection of the colon caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). This condition is also known as C. difficile infection (CDI) or pseudomembranous colitis.

Etiology

C. difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium. It is naturally present in the gut of some healthy humans, but the overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing C. difficile to multiply and produce toxins. These toxins damage the cells lining the colon and cause inflammation, leading to C. difficile colitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of C. difficile colitis can range from mild to severe and may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis and toxic megacolon.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of C. difficile colitis is typically confirmed through laboratory testing of a stool sample to detect the presence of C. difficile toxins. Other diagnostic methods may include endoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment

Treatment for C. difficile colitis typically involves discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the infection and starting a course of another antibiotic that is effective against C. difficile. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected part of the colon.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for C. difficile colitis include judicious use of antibiotics, thorough hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning in healthcare settings.

See also

• Infectious colitis
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Gut flora