Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Linezolid contributed to Clostridium difficile colitis with fatal outcome
1Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinik am Eichert, Eichertstr. 3, 73035 Göppingen, Germany. Lutz.Zabel@kae.de
Infection
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, is effective against many bacteria. While rare, this case highlights a fatal Clostridium difficile colitis linked to long-term linezolid use.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Linezolid is a novel oxazolidinone antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
- Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of linezolid, but Clostridium difficile-related complications are infrequent.
Observation:
- A case of fatal Clostridium difficile colitis is presented in a patient undergoing long-term linezolid therapy for spondylodiscitis.
- The colitis was exclusively attributed to linezolid treatment.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates a rare but severe complication of linezolid therapy.
- Long-term linezolid use may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated colitis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for C. difficile colitis in patients on prolonged linezolid treatment.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and risk factors for linezolid-induced C. difficile colitis is warranted.
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