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Updated: May 21, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Recurrent Clostridium difficile colitis in cystic fibrosis: an emerging problem
Katarine Egressy1, Michaelene Jansen, Keith C Meyer
1Section of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States.
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can cause severe illness in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, especially those with recurrent infections or after lung transplantation. Early diagnosis and empiric therapy are crucial for high-risk CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients face unique challenges with infections.
- Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) is a significant concern in hospitalized patients.
- Lung transplantation in CF patients may alter infection susceptibility.
Observation:
- Ten cases of C. difficile associated disease (CDAD) were identified in CF patients over 17 years.
- Four of these patients had undergone bilateral lung transplantation.
- Recurrent CDAD led to severe outcomes, including pancolitis and shock in transplant recipients.
Findings:
- Two non-transplant CF patients with recurrent CDI developed fulminant pancolitis and required colectomy.
- Symptoms of CDC in CF patients can be subtle or atypical, delaying diagnosis.
- Recurrent CDC poses a high risk of fatal outcomes in CF patients.
Implications:
- C. difficile colitis can be life-threatening in cystic fibrosis patients.
- Empiric therapy for CDI should be considered in CF patients with prior CDI, especially when receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for improving outcomes in CF patients with C. difficile infection.
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