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Basic and clinical aspects of Clostridium difficile colitis
Tetsuo Morishita1, Takamori Nakayama, Toshiaki Kamiya
1Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba 272-8513, Japan.
Summary
Clostridium difficile infections, a significant cause of nosocomial illness, are detailed, focusing on epidemiology, toxins A and B, and pseudomembranous colitis. This review covers diagnosis, treatment, and surgical options for C. difficile.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile, a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus, was historically difficult to isolate.
- Its significance grew in 1978 with the identification of its cytotoxin as the cause of pseudomembranous colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile in health and disease.
- To highlight its role as a cause of nosocomial infections.
- To describe the characteristics of toxins A and B and clinical aspects of C. difficile infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Clostridium difficile epidemiology.
- Analysis of C. difficile toxin characteristics.
- Summary of clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile is a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea.
- Toxins A and B are key virulence factors.
- Pseudomembranous colitis is a primary clinical manifestation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding C. difficile epidemiology and virulence is crucial for infection control.
- Effective diagnosis and management strategies are essential for patient outcomes.
- Further research into C. difficile pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.