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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
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The Citrobacter rodentium Mouse Model: Studying Pathogen and Host Contributions to Infectious Colitis
Published on: February 19, 2013
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A rare case of infectious colitis
Aditya Kalakonda1, Shashank Garg2, Suraj Tandon2
1State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA kalakona@upstate.edu.
Gastroenterology Report
|May 28, 2015
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colitis in an adult. Prompt diagnosis and vancomycin treatment successfully resolved the infection, even without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) commonly causes infections, but gastrointestinal involvement, specifically colitis, is infrequent.
- Few cases of MRSA colitis have been documented in North America, underscoring its rarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of MRSA colitis in an adult patient lacking typical risk factors.
- To illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this uncommon condition.
Main Methods:
- A case of adult MRSA colitis was analyzed.
- Abdominal CT scan was performed to assess colonic inflammation.
- Empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated, followed by targeted treatment based on culture results.
Main Results:
- Abdominal CT revealed sigmoid colon thickening, suggesting colitis.
- Initial cultures and C. difficile toxin assay were negative.
- Subsequent stool cultures identified MRSA sensitive to vancomycin, leading to symptom resolution with oral vancomycin therapy.
Conclusions:
- MRSA colitis can occur in individuals without apparent risk factors.
- Timely stool culture and appropriate antibiotic selection, such as vancomycin, are crucial for successful treatment.
- This case expands the understanding of MRSA's potential clinical manifestations.
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