Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:40
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Clostridium difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease: understanding the evolving relationship
Udayakumar Navaneethan1, Preethi Gk Venkatesh, Bo Shen
1Victor W. Fazio Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Institute, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, The Cleveland Clinic-A31, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, United States. navaneu@ccf.org
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) significantly impacts inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, increasing hospital stays and mortality. Vancomycin may be more effective than metronidazole for treating CDI in IBD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Increasing incidence and severity of CDI are observed globally.
- Superimposed CDI in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of CDI on IBD patients.
- To discuss the presentation and management of CDI in IBD.
- To highlight the need for further research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CDI in IBD patients.
- Analysis of disease course, hospitalization, and mortality.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies and outcomes.
Main Results:
- CDI can trigger IBD flares, prolong hospitalization, and increase mortality in IBD patients.
- Vancomycin appears more effective than metronidazole for CDI in IBD.
- Biologic agents do not seem to increase CDI risk, but combined immunomodulators and antibiotics may worsen outcomes.
Conclusions:
- CDI poses significant risks for IBD patients, affecting disease course and outcomes.
- Management of CDI in IBD requires careful consideration of treatment options.
- Further randomized controlled trials are essential to establish optimal management protocols for CDI in IBD.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...