title: Clostridium difficile infection in cystic fibrosis: an uncommon but life-threatening complication.
abstract: Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have significant rates of asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage and are frequently exposed to risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI). Despite this, the rate of reported CDI in CF is low. We describe three cases of near fatal CDI in adults with CF and review the literature regarding presentation, management, and recurrence prevention. Early recognition is important as the clinical presentation may be atypical and the illness can be severe and even life-threatening. Management can be complicated by respiratory and nutritional failure. CF-related gastrointestinal dysfunction may alter the typical host-pathogen interaction between patient and C. difficile, potentially explaining the low rates of CDI and atypical presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine St John of God Healthcare Perth Australia.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piccolo
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth Australia; Department of Thoracic Medicine The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland.
authors.forename: Anna Sze
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth Australia.
authors.forename: Hooi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ee
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth Australia.
authors.forename: Siobhain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mulrennan
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Medicine The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth Australia.
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ryan
keywords: Clostridium difficile; cystic fibrosis; pseudomembranous colitis