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Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: an overlooked aetiology?

C E Loy1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall. paul.loy@pat.nhs.uk

British Journal of Biomedical Science
|January 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in hospital patients often involves Candida species overgrowth, Clostridium difficile cytotoxin B (CDT), and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin. Quantitative Candida culture is recommended for AAD investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic therapy.
  • Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of various pathogens in hospital patients with AAD.
  • To compare findings with control groups and inform diagnostic practices.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 63 faecal samples from AAD patients and control groups.
  • Screening for bacterial enteric pathogens, parasites, Clostridium difficile cytotoxin B (CDT), Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, and Candida species.
  • Microscopy and quantitative culture for Candida spp.

Main Results:

  • A potential pathogen was identified in 71% of AAD cases.
  • Candida spp. overgrowth (44.4%) was most frequent, followed by CDT (34.9%) and C. perfringens enterotoxin (9.5%).
  • C. perfringens enterotoxin was also found in 21% of community samples.

Conclusions:

  • Candida spp. overgrowth is a significant factor in AAD.
  • Quantitative Candida spp. culture should be routinely performed for AAD investigations.
  • C. perfringens may be a community-associated issue beyond antibiotic use.

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