Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis

Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming toxigenic bacterium that causes di arrhea and colitis, typically after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The clinical presentation ranges from self-limited diarrhea to fulminant co litis and toxic megacolon, The incidence of this disease is increasing, res ulting in major medical and economic consequences. Although most cases resp ond quickly to medical treatment, C difficile colitis may be serious, espec ially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Recurrent disease represents a particularly challenging problem. Prevention is best accomplished by limi ting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and following good hygienic tech niques and universal precautions to limit the transmission of bacteria. A h igh index of suspicion results in early diagnosis and treatment and potenti ally reduces the incidence of complications.