title: Recurrent pseudomembranous colitis unassociated with prior antibiotic therapy.
abstract: Fulminant and recurring pseudomembranous colitis developed in an elderly woman without prior antibiotic administration within the previous year. Stool culture yielded Clostridium difficile, and tissue cultures showed C difficile cytotoxin. Treatment with vancomycin hydrochloride was initially successful, but a serious relapse after its discontinuation necessitated low-dose long-term prophylaxis. Clostridium difficile may be responsible for pseudomembranous colitis unassociated with antibiotic therapy.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003013:Clostridium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003015:Clostridium Infections; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014640:Vancomycin