[Case report. Leukocytosis in the course of Clostridium difficile infection]

Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are increasing in incidence and severity, amongst other reasons because of the increasing spread of hypervirulent strains. Leukocytosis is a sign of severe CDI and is predictive for a complicated course. In this case report, we describe 2 patients with CDI who developed leukocytosis within a leukemoid range. In both cases high white blood cell counts returned totally to normal range under CDI therapy according to guidelines. Leukemia-related therapy patterns were not needed. Notably, in none of the patients a hypervirulent strain was isolated.