Clostridium Difficile Colitis
(Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile Colitis)
Medical Author: Dennis Lee, M.D.
Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.
Antibiotics 101
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
 Mary thinks she may have a bladder infection. She makes
the call to her doctor and is able get an appointment to come in and give a urine sample. Sure
enough, bladder infection. Her doctor prescribes an
antibiotic for the infection. Mary goes to the pharmacy, fills the prescription
and as she is
driving home, begins to think of questions that she should have asked her doctor
about the antibiotic.
This scenario has run through many patients' minds. What are the side effects of the
antibiotic? How soon should I begin to feel better? What if I don't feel better
after 4 or 5 days? When should I call my doctor? Should I be concerned about a
rash or other side effects that develop while taking the antibiotic?
Antibiotics 101
Antibiotics are a class of drugs that treat bacterial
infections by stopping growth of bacteria or killing the bacteria directly. It's
important to remember that antibiotics are ineffective in treating infections
causes by viruses, which include the majority of colds, sore throats (with the exception of
streptococcus-induced, or so-called
"strep throat"),
coughs, and
flu-like
illnesses.
Top C. difficile Terms
infection control,
clostridium difficile,
colitis,
diarrhea,
vancomycin,
nursing homes,
florastor,
bowel cancer,
probiotics,
bacteria
What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)?
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is related to the
bacterium that cause tetanus and botulism. The
C. difficile bacterium has two
forms, an active, infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for
prolonged periods, and a nonactive, "noninfectious" form, called a spore, that
can survive in the environment for prolonged periods. Although spores cannot
cause infection directly, when they are ingested they transform into the active,
infectious form.
C. difficile spores are found frequently in:
- hospitals,
- nursing homes,
- extended
care facilities, and
- nurseries for newborn infants.
They can be found on:
- bedpans,
- furniture,
- toilet seats,
- linens,
- telephones,
- stethoscopes,
- fingernails,
- rings (jewelry),
- floors,
- infants' rooms, and
- diaper pails.
They even can be carried by
pets. Thus, these environments are a ready source for infection with C.
difficile.
What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) colitis?
Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused
by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using
antibiotics. It is the most common infection acquired by patients while they are
in the hospital. More than three million C. difficile infections occur in
hospitals in the US each year. After a stay of only two days in a hospital, 10%
of patients will develop infection with C. difficile. C. difficile also may be
acquired outside of hospitals in the community. It is estimated that 20,000
infections with C. difficile occur in the community each year in the U.S.
Next: How does Clostridium difficile cause colitis? »
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