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07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Thinking beyond the colon-small bowel involvement in clostridium difficile infection
Udayakumar Navaneethan1, Ralph A Giannella
1Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. navaneur@ucmail.uc.edu
Gut Pathogens
|April 3, 2009
Summary
Small intestinal Clostridium difficile infections are rising, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing this expanding spectrum of C. difficile infection beyond the colon.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology and Immunology
Background:
- Increasing incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) affecting the small intestine.
- Small bowel involvement in CDI is increasingly reported, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) post-colectomy or with ileal anal pouch anastomosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanding spectrum of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) to include small bowel involvement.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion, early recognition, and prompt treatment for small intestinal CDI.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and epidemiological trends of small intestinal CDI.
- Analysis of patient populations at higher risk, including those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Main Results:
- Small intestinal CDI commonly presents with increased ileostomy output and dehydration.
- The rise in cases may indicate a general increase in CDI incidence or enhanced organism virulence.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must consider small intestinal involvement in patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), moving beyond traditional colonic focus.
- Heightened awareness and prompt preventive measures are essential for controlling the spread of CDI.
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