Pseudomembranous colitis

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is an inflammation of the colon that is typically associated with antibiotic use. It is caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), which produces toxins that cause inflammation, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Causes

PMC is most commonly caused by the use of certain antibiotics, such as clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins. These antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the colon, allowing C. difficile to proliferate.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PMC can range from mild to severe and may include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as toxic megacolon and sepsis.

Diagnosis

PMC is typically diagnosed through a stool test to detect the toxins produced by C. difficile. In some cases, a colonoscopy may be performed to visualize the pseudomembranes that are characteristic of the condition.

Treatment

The first step in treating PMC is to stop the use of the antibiotic that caused the condition. In most cases, this will be enough to resolve the symptoms. However, in severe cases, specific antibiotics such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin may be used to kill the C. difficile bacteria.

Prevention

Prevention of PMC involves careful use of antibiotics to avoid disrupting the normal balance of bacteria in the colon. In hospital settings, strict infection control measures are also important to prevent the spread of C. difficile.

See also

• Clostridium difficile infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Pseudomembranous colitis Resources
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