Effect of bismuth subsalicylate on Clostridium difficile colitis in hamsters

The therapeutic effect of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS, Pepto-Bismol) in Clostridium difficile colitis was studied in golden Syrian hamsters. C. difficile was fed to the hamsters by orogastric intubation 2-3 days after their arrival. Clindamycin (1.5 mg per animal) was given intraperitoneally 4 days later. Twenty-four hours after challenge with clindamycin, animals were given BSS at dosages of 5, 10, and 15 mg twice daily for 5 days by orogastric intubation. Controls included untreated animals and those given 5 mg of vancomycin once daily by intubation. Delay in the time of death was observed in all BSS-treated animals and was statistically significant on days 4-6 in those receiving 15 mg twice daily. Vancomycin produced a greater delay in death than did BSS. Our study suggests that BSS at a dosage of 15 mg twice daily has some therapeutic effect on C. difficile colitis in hamsters.