title: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis.
abstract: Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming toxigenic bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis, typically after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The clinical presentation ranges from self-limited diarrhea to fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon. The incidence of this disease is increasing, resulting in major medical and economic consequences. Although most cases respond quickly to medical treatment, C difficile colitis may be serious, especially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Recurrent disease represents a particularly challenging problem. Prevention is best accomplished by limiting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and following good hygienic techniques and universal precautions to limit the transmission of bacteria. A high index of suspicion results in early diagnosis and treatment and potentially reduces the incidence of complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Yassin
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Young-Fadok
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Zein
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Pardi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002353:Carrier State / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D016360:Clostridioides difficile; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence; D016635:Universal Precautions
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents