Linezolid contributed to Clostridium difficile colitis with fatal outcome.
Linezolid, the first of a new class of antibacterial drugs, the oxazolidinones, has inhibitory activity against a broad range of gram-positive aerobic cocci and also against certain anaerobes. Although diarrhea is one of the most frequently encountered adverse effects of linezolid, Clostridium difficile-related complications are very uncommon. One case of fatal C. difficile colitis in a patient with spondylodiscitis, who had received a long-term course of linezolid therapy, is presented. Colitis was able to be exclusively assigned to linezolid. Factors contributing to the colitis are discussed.
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Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinik am Eichert, Eichertstr. 3, 73035 Göppingen, Germany. Lutz.Zabel@kae.de
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D000081:Acetamides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000081:Acetamides; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D000069349:Linezolid