The spectrum of pseudomembranous enterocolitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Arch Intern Med. 2002 Oct 28;162(19):2177-84. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.19.2177.

Abstract

Pseudomembranous (entero)colitis is primarily caused by Clostridium difficile infection. The most common predisposing factor is prior use of antibiotics, including vancomycin and metronidazole, which themselves are therapy for C difficile colitis. Other risk factors have also been described. The presence of C difficile in the gastrointestinal tract leads to a spectrum of manifestations from the asymptomatic carrier state to fulminant colitis. Successful treatment of C difficile colitis requires prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics, withdrawal of the suspected predisposing antibiotics, and, in rare cases, total colectomy. Preventive measures of adequate infection control and judicious use of antibiotics are necessary means in attempting to control the spread of C difficile infection. Attempts at making an effective human vaccine are currently under way.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Clostridioides difficile
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis
  • Clostridium Infections / drug therapy
  • Clostridium Infections / prevention & control
  • Diarrhea / chemically induced*
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / drug therapy
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents