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Di Bella S, Sanson G, Monticelli J, Zerbato V, Principe L, Giuffrè M, Pipitone G, Luzzati R. Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0013523. [PMID: 38421181 PMCID: PMC11324037 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00135-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major issues in nosocomial infections. This bacterium is constantly evolving and poses complex challenges for clinicians, often encountered in real-life scenarios. In the face of CDI, we are increasingly equipped with new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies and live biotherapeutic products, which need to be thoroughly understood to fully harness their benefits. Moreover, interesting options are currently under study for the future, including bacteriophages, vaccines, and antibiotic inhibitors. Surveillance and prevention strategies continue to play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of the infection. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of epidemiological aspects, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and current and future prophylactic and therapeutic options for C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sanson
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
| | - Jacopo Monticelli
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, Trieste University Hospital
(ASUGI), Trieste,
Italy
| | - Verena Zerbato
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, Trieste University Hospital
(ASUGI), Trieste,
Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Microbiology and
Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital
“Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli”,
Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
- Department of Internal
Medicine (Digestive Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, Yale
University, New Haven,
Connecticut, USA
| | - Giuseppe Pipitone
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina
Hospital, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
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Hong SM, Baek DH. A Review of Colonoscopy in Intestinal Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071262. [PMID: 37046479 PMCID: PMC10093393 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the development of the fiberoptic colonoscope in the late 1960s, colonoscopy has been a useful tool to diagnose and treat various intestinal diseases. This article reviews the clinical use of colonoscopy for various intestinal diseases based on present and future perspectives. Intestinal diseases include infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neoplasms, functional bowel disorders, and others. In cases of infectious diseases, colonoscopy is helpful in making the differential diagnosis, revealing endoscopic gross findings, and obtaining the specimens for pathology. Additionally, colonoscopy provides clues for distinguishing between infectious disease and IBD, and aids in the post-treatment monitoring of IBD. Colonoscopy is essential for the diagnosis of neoplasms that are diagnosed through only pathological confirmation. At present, malignant tumors are commonly being treated using endoscopy because of the advancement of endoscopic resection procedures. Moreover, the characteristics of tumors can be described in more detail by image-enhanced endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy. Colonoscopy can be helpful for the endoscopic decompression of colonic volvulus in large bowel obstruction, balloon dilatation as a treatment for benign stricture, and colon stenting as a treatment for malignant obstruction. In the diagnosis of functional bowel disorder, colonoscopy is used to investigate other organic causes of the symptom.
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Kunitomo K, Shimizu T, Harada Y. A case of multiple ring-shaped aphthae without pseudomembranous colitis. Am J Med Sci 2021; 363:e25-e26. [PMID: 34407420 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Kunitomo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto 860-0008, Japan.
| | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.
| | - Yukinori Harada
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.
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Shawhan R, Steele SR. Role of endoscopy in the assessment and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. SEMINARS IN COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY 2014. [DOI: 10.1053/j.scrs.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Dupont HL. Diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile infection. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 11:1216-23; quiz e73. [PMID: 23542332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasing in frequency and severity in and out of the hospital, with a high probability of recurrence after treatment. The recent literature on CDI was reviewed using PubMed to include recent publications dealing with diagnosis and therapy. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive and useful diagnostic test for CDI but there are growing concerns of false-positive test results if the rate of CDI is low in the patient population providing samples and/or if the population being studied commonly includes people with C difficile colonization. Recommended therapy of CDI includes oral metronidazole for milder cases of CDI and oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin for more severe cases, each given for 10 days. Colectomy is being performed more frequently in patients with fulminant CDI. For treatment of first recurrences the drug used in the first bout can be used again and for second recurrences longer courses of vancomycin often are given in a tapered dose or intermittently to allow gut flora reconstitution, or other treatments including fidaxomicin may be used. Bacteriotherapy with fecal transplantation is playing an increasing role in therapy of recurrent cases. Metagenomic studies of patients with CDI during successful therapy are needed to determine how best to protect the flora from assaults from antibacterial drugs and to develop optimal therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis offer opportunities to prevent CDI, to speed up recovery from CDI, and to eliminate recurrent infection. Humanized monoclonal antitoxin antibodies and active immunization with vaccines against C difficile or its toxins are both in development and appear to be of potential value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert L Dupont
- Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Texas School of Public Health; Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine; and Internal Medicine Service, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas.
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The impact of pseudomembrane formation on the outcome of Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Infection 2013; 41:969-77. [PMID: 23709307 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-013-0473-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although pseudomembranes are the hallmark manifestation of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), there are scant data specifically addressing their impact on the clinical outcome. We investigated whether the formation of pseudomembranes predicts a worse CDAD outcome. METHODS CDAD patients hospitalized during 2010 underwent sigmoidoscopy and were followed prospectively. In addition, all hospitalized CDAD patients in the period 01/2000-12/2009 who underwent lower endoscopy were retrospectively identified and their charts reviewed. Patients with detectable pseudomembranes on endoscopy were compared to those in whom pseudomembranes were absent. Thirty-day mortality and a composite outcome comprised of mortality within 30 days of diagnosis, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), colectomy, peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, or respiratory insufficiency were addressed. Additional clinical outcomes used for comparison between the two groups were 60-day mortality, duration of hospitalization, and the failure of metronidazole and vancomycin. RESULTS A total of 117 CDAD patients (mean age 62.9 ± 19 years) who underwent lower endoscopy were included; 46 with pseudomembranes and 71 without. Seven out of the 46 patients with pseudomembranes died within 30 days compared to 9/71 in the non-pseudomembrane group [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-3.6, P = 0.8]. Similarly, there was no correlation between the occurrence of pseudomembranes and the rate of the composite adverse outcome (P = 0.6). In contrast, acute renal insufficiency (OR 15, 95% CI 3.2-72, P < 0.001) and hypoalbuminemia (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.8-18, P = 0.002) were both independently predictive of a severe clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the presence of pseudomembranes is not associated with an adverse outcome in CDAD patients.
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Shen BJ, Lin SC, Shueng PW, Chou YH, Tseng LM, Hsieh CH. Pseudomembranous colitis within radiotherapy field following concurrent chemoradiation therapy: a case report. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 6:25-8. [PMID: 23359785 PMCID: PMC3555541 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s40145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of nonantibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients receiving chemotherapy. Herein, we report a case of a 70-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and hypertension who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy after surgery for stage III pT3N1M0 rectal cancer. After completion of the therapy, the patient presented with a 2-week history of intermittent watery diarrhea (seven to nine times per day). However, the patient was afebrile and laboratory examination revealed no evidence of leukocytosis. Computed tomography disclosed inflammation of the sigmoid colon, infiltrative changes around the anastomotic site, and edematous changes straddling the serosal surface. Colonoscopic examination revealed multiple whitish patches within the radiation field, a finding suggestive of pseudomembranous colitis. No concomitant antibiotics were used during the period of concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Empirical oral metronidazole (500 mg every 8 hours) was administrated for 2 weeks. At the end of this treatment, stool culture was negative for Clostridium difficile. Physicians should be aware of the potential for the development of pseudomembranous colitis following concurrent chemoradiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jie Shen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Indications and Relative Utility of Lower Endoscopy in the Management of Clostridium difficile Infection. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2011; 2011:626582. [PMID: 22028704 PMCID: PMC3199093 DOI: 10.1155/2011/626582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rely upon clinical assessments and diagnostic studies. Among diagnostic tests, lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in the setting of CDI remains controversial. Objective. To describe the role of lower endoscopy in CDI management. Methods. Retrospective study of lower endoscopies in CDI at four metropolitan hospitals, July 2005 through December 2007. Results. Of 1760 CDI inpatients, 45 lower endoscopies were performed on 43 patients. Most common indications were ruling out other etiologies (42%), inconclusive stool studies (36%), and worsening course (11%). Most endoscopies (73%) had positive findings, including pseudomembranous colitis (49%) and nonspecific colitis (24%). Biopsies were performed in 31 cases, more with nonspecific colitis (10/11, 92%) compared to pseudomembranous colitis (14/22, 64%). Conclusion. While not recommended as a primary screening tool, lower GI endoscopy can add valuable information in CDI when other colonic pathologies may exist, studies are inconclusive, or clinical status worsens.
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Antibiotic-associated bloody diarrhea in infants: clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic profiles. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011; 52:60-4. [PMID: 20639777 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3181da215b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antibiotic-associated diarrhea constitutes 1 of the most frequent side effects of antimicrobial therapy with widely varying clinical presentations; however, little is known about its antibiotic-associated bloody diarrhea (AABD) form, particularly in very young children. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic profiles of community-acquired AABD in infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 23 infants referred with bloody diarrhea that developed a few days after receiving antibiotics on an outpatient basis for watery diarrhea (18), respiratory tract infections (4), or urinary tract infection (1). Detailed clinical assessment, videosigmoidoscopy, and histopathologic examination of endoscopic biopsies were performed for all. RESULTS Clinically, on presentation, bloody diarrhea was acute in all except 1 patient with a prolonged course (for 25 days) and stopped in all 2 to 6 days after discontinuation of antibiotics. Fever and/or leukocytosis were present only in 8 (34.8%). Sigmoidoscopy revealed varying types of erythema (patchy, ring, diffuse) and ulcers (aphthoid, diffuse) in 18 and pseudomembranes in 5. Histopathologically, only 3 showed the characteristic mushroom-like pseudomembranes, whereas all of the other infants had nonspecific colitis. CONCLUSIONS Community-acquired AABD is not uncommon in infants presenting with acute or chronic forms even without fever or leukocytosis. When suspected, discontinuation of antibiotics is a good policy if facilities for bacterial culture with cytotoxin assays are limited. The characteristic endoscopic or histopathologic pseudomembranes are encountered only in a small percentage (26%). Rational use of antibiotics should be adhered to particularly in cases of watery diarrhea that is mostly of viral origin.
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Olivas AD, Umanskiy K, Zuckerbraun B, Alverdy JC. Avoiding Colectomy during Surgical Management of FulminantClostridium difficileColitis. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2010; 11:299-305. [DOI: 10.1089/sur.2010.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Olivas
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Konstantin Umanskiy
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brian Zuckerbraun
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John C. Alverdy
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Song HJ, Shim KN, Jung SA, Choi HJ, Lee MA, Ryu KH, Kim SE, Yoo K. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: candidate organisms other than Clostridium difficile. Korean J Intern Med 2008; 23:9-15. [PMID: 18363274 PMCID: PMC2686956 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2008.23.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The direct toxic effects of antibiotics on the intestine can alter digestive functions and cause pathogenic bacterial overgrowth leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is widely known to be responsible for 10 approximately 20% of AAD cases. However, Klebsiella oxytoca, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species might also contribute to AAD. METHODS We prospectively analyzed the organisms in stool and colon tissue cultures with a C. difficile toxin A assay in patients with AAD between May and December 2005. In addition, we performed the C. difficile toxin A assays using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay technique. Patients were enrolled who had diarrhea with more than three stools per day for at least 2 days after the initiation of antibiotic treatment for up to 6 approximately 8 weeks after antibiotic discontinuation. RESULTS Among 38 patients (mean age 59 +/- 18 years, M:F =18:20), the organism isolation rates were 28.9% (11/38) for stool culture, 18.4% (7/38) for colon tissue cultures and 13.2% (5/38) for the C. difficile toxin A assay. The overall rate of identification of organisms was 50.0% (19/38). Of the five patients that had a positive result by the C. difficile toxin A assay, two had no organism isolated by the stool or colon tissue culture. The organisms isolated from the stool cultures were C difficile (4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (3), Candida species (3), and Staphylococcus aureus (1). C. difficile (4) and K. pneumoniae (3) were isolated from the colon tissue culture. CONCLUSIONS For C. difficile negative AAD patients, K. pneumoniae, Candida species and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be potential causative organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joo Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Nam Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Ae Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Ae Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kum Hei Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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Koss K, Clark MA, Sanders DSA, Morton D, Keighley MRB, Goh J. The outcome of surgery in fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis. Colorectal Dis 2006; 8:149-54. [PMID: 16412077 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2005.00876.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical presentation of Clostridium difficile infection ranges from asymptomatic carriage, colitis with or without pseudomembranes, to fulminant colitis. Although not common, fulminant C. difficile colitis can result in bowel perforation and peritonitis with a high mortality rate. Colectomy is often indicated in these cases. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the outcome of 14 patients who underwent surgery for fulminant C. difficile colitis in the period 1996-2003 in our Unit. RESULTS The indications for surgery were systemic toxicity and peritonitis (n = 10), radiological and clinical evidence of progressive toxic colonic dilatation (n = 3) and progressive colonic dilatation with bowel perforation (n = 1). C. difficile infection as the cause of colitis was diagnosed pre-operatively in seven (50%) patients, six of whom underwent a total colectomy and one a right hemicolectomy. Overall mortality in our series was 35.7%. Total colectomy was associated with a lower mortality rate of 11.1% (1/9) when compared with left hemicolectomy was 100% (4/4) (P = 0.01). One patient who underwent a right hemicolectomy (on the basis of deceptively normal external appearance of the rest of the colon intra-operatively) survived after a prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS Early or pre-operative microbiological diagnosis of C. difficile infection can be difficult in patients with a fulminant presentation. Those patients with C. difficile colitis, who develop signs of toxicity, peritonitis or perforation, should undergo a total colectomy as the operation of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Koss
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Nomura K, Matsumoto Y, Yoshida N, Taji S, Wakabayashi N, Mitsufuji S, Horiike S, Morita M, Okanoue T, Taniwaki M. Successful treatment with rifampin for fulminant antibiotics-associated colitis in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:765-766. [PMID: 14991957 PMCID: PMC4716928 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i5.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2003] [Revised: 12/09/2003] [Accepted: 12/16/2003] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 74-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of chemotherapy for relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The patient became febrile and experienced diarrhea after chemotherapy. Although ceftazidime and amikacin sulfate were administered as empiric therapy, diarrhea was continued. After several days, stool cytotoxin assay for clostridium difficile (C. difficile) was positive and he was diagnosed as having antibiotics-associated colitis (AAC). Although antibiotics were discontinued and both oral vancomycin and metronidazole were administrated, disease was not improved. To rule out the presence of an additional cause of diarrhea, colon fibroscopic examination was performed. It revealed multiple deep ulcerative lesions at right side colon, surface erosive and minute erosive lesions in all continuous colon. Pseudomembranes were not seen. These findings are compatible with AAC without pseudomembranes. There are no reports that the rifampin is effective on refractory AAC. However, we administered oral rifampin for the current patient. The reasons are 1) conventional antibiotics were not effective, 2) rifampin has excellent in vitro activity against C. difficile, and 3) the efficacy of rifampin on relapsing colitis due to C. difficile is established. After administration of rifampin, fever alleviated and diarrhea was improved. Because AAC may result in significant mortality, patients with refractory or fulminant AAC should be treated with oral rifampin from outset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Nomura
- Molecular Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0841, Japan.
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Abstract
Acute diarrhea is commonly caused by an infection. Severe acute diarrhea warrants immediate medical evaluation and hospitalization. Indications for stool studies include fever; bloody diarrhea; recent travel to an endemic area; recent antibiotics; immunosuppression; and occupational risks, such as food handlers. Noninfectious causes include inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, and intestinal ischemia. Management of severe acute diarrhea includes intravenous fluid rehydration and empiric antibiotics. Use of antidiarrheal agents is controversial when invasive pathogens are suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I Gore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359773, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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Butterworth SA, Koppert E, Clarke A, Wiggs B, MacFarlane JK. Recent trends in diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile in a tertiary care facility. Am J Surg 1998; 175:403-7. [PMID: 9600288 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9610(98)00058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the prevalence of antibiotic use, the diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile disease requires assessment. METHODS In a retrospective review, patients with a positive culture, toxin, or both during 1 year were identified. Recent literature was reviewed. Results of culture and toxin, prior antibiotic use, antibiotic treatment history and cost were analyzed. RESULTS Of 592 patients tested, 101 were positive; 96 of 101 were available for review. Of those positive tested for both, 45% were positive for toxin and culture. Sixty-two of 96 were treated with antibiotics; metronidazole was used in 90%. Ten of 62 antibiotic treatments were changed (mean 3 days). Ten days of metronidazole is 1/200th the cost of vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS In 55% of the positive cases in which culture and toxin were obtained, one test was negative. As metronidazole's efficacy and cost compares favorably with vancomycin, metronidazole is the drug of choice. Any changes made to antibiotic regimens occurred prior to the 6 days recommended in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Butterworth
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a marked increase in the number of surgical patients developing Clostridium difficile colitis. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of C. difficile infection were reviewed from a surgical perspective. METHODS A literature review was carried out based primarily on a Medline search of all English language publications containing the term C. difficile. RESULTS The recent dramatic increase in diagnosis of C. difficile infection amongst surgical patients results from heightened awareness of the condition, better methods of diagnosis, more widespread use of antibiotics for treatment and prophylaxis, and the increasing numbers of elderly and immunocompromised patients with malignancy, sepsis, and (multiple) organ failure being cared for within intensive therapy and high-dependency units. In addition to morbidity and mortality, the economic burden of C. difficile infection in terms of delayed discharge and other hospital costs is considerable. CONCLUSION Appropriate use of antibiotics, isolation of affected patients and meticulous hygiene measures on the part of staff are vital if the morbidity, mortality and economic consequences of this nosocomial infection are to be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Bradbury
- University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
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Gerding DN, Johnson S, Peterson LR, Mulligan ME, Silva J. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1995. [PMID: 7594392 DOI: 10.2307/30141083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review and summarize the status of diagnosis, epidemiology, infection control, and treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). DIAGNOSIS A case definition of CDAD should include the presence of symptoms (usually diarrhea) and at least one of the following positive tests: endoscopy revealing pseudomembranes, stool cytotoxicity test for toxin B, stool enzyme immunoassay for toxin A or B, or stool culture for C difficile (preferably with confirmation of organism toxicity if a direct stool toxin test is negative or not done). Testing of asymptomatic patients, including those who are asymptomatic after treatment, is not recommended other than for epidemiologic purposes. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is the only diagnostic test for pseudomembranous colitis, but it is expensive, invasive, and insensitive (51% to 55%) for the diagnosis of CDAD. Stool culture is the most sensitive laboratory test currently in clinical use, but it is not as specific as the cell cytotoxicity assay. EPIDEMIOLOGY C difficile is the most frequently identified cause of nosocomial diarrhea. The majority of C difficile infections are acquired nosocomially, and most patients remain asymptomatic following acquisition. Antimicrobial exposure is the greatest risk factor for patients, especially clindamycin, cephalosporins, and penicillins, although virtually every antimicrobial has been implicated. Cases of CDAD unassociated with prior antimicrobial or antineoplastic use are very rare. Hands of personnel, as well as a variety of environmental sites within institutions, have been found to be contaminated with C difficile, which can persist as spores for many months. Contaminated commodes, bathing tubs, and electronic thermometers have been implicated as sources of C difficile. Symptomatic and asymptomatic infected patients are the major reservoirs and sources for environmental contamination. Both genotypic and phenotypic typing systems for C difficile are available and have enhanced epidemiologic investigation greatly. INFECTION CONTROL Successful infection control measures designed to prevent horizontal transmission include the use of gloves in handling body substances and replacement of electronic thermometers with disposable devices. Isolation, cohorting, handwashing, environmental disinfection, and treatment of asymptomatic carriers are recommended practices for which convincing data of efficacy are not available. The most successful control measure directed at reduction in symptomatic disease has been antimicrobial restriction. TREATMENT Treatment of symptomatic (but not asymptomatic) patients with metronidazole or vancomycin for 10 days is effective; metronidazole may be preferred to reduce risk of vancomycin resistance among other organisms in hospitals. Recurrence of symptoms occurs in 7% to 20% of patients and is due to both relapse and reinfection. Over 90% of first recurrences can be treated successfully in the same manner as initial cases. Combination treatment with vancomycin plus rifampin or the addition orally of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to vancomycin or metronidazole treatment has been shown to prevent subsequent diarrhea in patients with recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Gerding
- Veterans Affairs Lakeside Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Caputo GM, Weitekamp MR, Bacon AE, Whitener C. Clostridium difficile infection: a common clinical problem for the general internist. J Gen Intern Med 1994; 9:528-33. [PMID: 7996299 DOI: 10.1007/bf02599229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Considering the current wide use of antimicrobial agents, the general internist is commonly faced with the patient at risk for diarrhea due to C. difficile. The diagnosis should be considered for any patient with diarrhea who has received any type of antibiotic therapy in the preceding 4-6 weeks. Symptoms may range from a minor bout of diarrhea to fulminant and fatal colitis. Diagnosis usually requires demonstration of the toxin in stool; culture of the organism and fiberoptic endoscopy may play an adjunctive role in selected clinical settings. The ultimate goal in the treatment for C. difficile infection is to repopulate the normal colonic flora in the most efficacious manner. Minimally symptomatic patients may respond to discontinuing the offending antimicrobial agent or using nonspecific binding agents. Oral vancomycin continues to be the "gold standard" for specific treatment, while metronidazole therapy is considered the first-line agent for individuals with milder infection. Oral bacitracin shows promise, though large studies are lacking. Patients with multiple relapses of C. difficile diarrhea can be treated with prolonged courses of vancomycin or a combination of vancomycin and rifampin. Intensive care unit patients who are NPO have few therapeutic options besides intravenous administration of metronidazole and oral administration of vancomycin via clamped nasogastric tube. Preventive efforts are directed at cautious use of antibiotics and the use of vinyl gloves when caring for patients with known infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Caputo
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey 17033-2390
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Griffiths JK, Gorbach SL. Other bacterial diarrhoeas. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY 1993; 7:263-305. [PMID: 8364244 DOI: 10.1016/0950-3528(93)90043-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J K Griffiths
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111
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