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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Fulminant postcesarean Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis
Sonia Ghai1, Vikas Ghai, Shiraz Sunderji
1The Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA.
Background:
Pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile infection is rarely reported in the obstetric literature. This disease process is associated with prior antibiotic exposure.
Case:
A term primigravida was delivered by primary cesarean for failed vacuum extraction. She received Intravenous cefazolin after cord clamping, which was continued for 36 hours for a presumptive diagnosis of endometritis. On day 3, oral amoxicillin and clavulanate was started for suspected cellulitis of the incision. She was readmitted 1 day after her discharge with severe diffuse abdominal pain and distention. Proctoscopy showed pseudomembranous colitis. Colectomy with temporary ileostomy was performed for worsening symptoms and imminent perforation.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis should be considered in postpartum women who have low-grade fever, abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms, and recent antibiotic exposure.
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