Familial pseudomembranous colitis and its relation to lincomycin therapy

The American Journal of Digestive Diseases
|September 1, 1975
PubMed

Insights

Severe pseudomembranous colitis occurred in a father and his two children. Two family members used lincomycin before symptoms, suggesting a potential pharmacogenetic link to antibiotic-induced colitis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common clinical issue.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe form of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Observation:

  • Three members of a single family presented with severe pseudomembranous colitis.
  • Two affected individuals had recently received lincomycin.

Findings:

  • The familial occurrence suggests a potential genetic predisposition.
  • A possible pharmacogenetic interaction with lincomycin is indicated.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the need to consider genetic factors in antibiotic-induced colitis.
  • Further research into pharmacogenetics may elucidate mechanisms of severe colitis.

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