Clostridium difficile colitis.
Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients. Its effects are mediated by C difficile toxins A and B. Recent outbreaks of severe colitis have been associated with a new strain of the bacterium that produces large amounts of the toxins. Although oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin can be used to treat C difficile-associated disease, intraluminal vancomycin is preferable for more severe C difficile colitis. Early surgical intervention can improve outcomes with fulminant colitis, although overall mortality remains high.
Efron
Philip A
PA
Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Mazuski
John E
JE
D000367:Age Factors; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000009:adverse effects; D016360:Clostridioides difficile; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors