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Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory 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...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis 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...
Bacterial Toxins01:12

Bacterial Toxins

Bacterial toxins are sophisticated virulence factors that enable pathogenic bacteria to interact with, invade, and damage host tissues. These toxins fall broadly into two types: protein exotoxins, which are secreted into the environment and target specific host receptors, and lipopolysaccharide endotoxins, which are structural components of the bacterial outer membrane released primarily during bacterial lysis or membrane shedding. Exotoxins generally act more selectively, binding to cell...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory 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...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory 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...

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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
07:06

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection

Published on: December 8, 2014

Toxic megacolon associated Clostridium difficile colitis.

Leena Sayedy1, Darshan Kothari, Robert J Richards

  • 1Leena Sayedy, Darshan Kothari, Robert J Richards, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8160, United States.

World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|December 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Toxic megacolon, a severe complication of Clostridium difficile colitis, requires careful diagnosis and management. Early medical treatment is key, with surgery considered for non-responsive cases.

Keywords:
AntibioticsClostridium difficileColitisColonDiarrheaMetronidazoleSurgeryToxic megacolonVancomycin

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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
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A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
09:12

A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection

Published on: June 15, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of Clostridium difficile colitis.
  • Increasing prevalence and treatment resistance of C. difficile colitis necessitate updated management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnosis and management of toxic megacolon secondary to C. difficile colitis.
  • To provide recommendations for clinical practice based on current literature and a case review.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic criteria and treatment options for C. difficile-associated toxic megacolon.
  • Analysis of clinical and radiologic findings for diagnosis.
  • Evaluation of medical and surgical management approaches.

Main Results:

  • Identified clinical and radiologic criteria for diagnosing toxic megacolon.
  • Discussed the efficacy of medical management (supportive care, antibiotics) and surgical intervention.
  • Recommended the Jalen criteria combined with daily abdominal radiographs for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Aggressive medical management should be the primary treatment for C. difficile-associated toxic megacolon.
  • Surgical intervention should be reserved for patients not improving within 2-3 days of initial medical treatment.