Pseudomembranous Colitis Caused by C. difficile

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a considerable clinical concern for several reasons, including disease severity, increasing frequency, complications, and development of antibiotic-resistant organisms. C. difficile infection should be considered in anyone who develops diarrhea during or after antibiotic therapy; PMC is the most serious manifestation of C. difficile disease. PMC is effectively treated with either metronidazole or vancomycin. Metronidazole should be first-line therapy, reserving vancomycin for those who are very ill or who do not respond to metronidazole or cannot take it (ie, first trimester pregnancy, side effects). Recurrent C. difficile disease (which occurs in approximately 20% of C. difficile cases) is best treated with an antibiotic in combination with a biotherapeutic agent. Prevention of epidemics of C. difficile requires careful hand washing and cleaning of environmental surfaces. Antibiotic restriction may be necessary in some cases.