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Updated: Feb 12, 2026
11:13
Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
Published on: September 14, 2013
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Clostridium difficile Colitis Leading to Reactive Arthritis: A Rare Complication Associated With a Common Disease
Asghar Marwat1,2, Hassan Mehmood1,2, Ali Hussain1,2
1Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Reactive arthritis can be triggered by Clostridium difficile colitis, a less common cause. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this infection led to complete symptom resolution in a recent case.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Reactive arthritis is commonly linked to enteric infections from Yersinia, Campylobacter, and Salmonella.
- Clostridium difficile colitis is an underrecognized cause of reactive arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of reactive arthritis secondary to Clostridium difficile colitis.
- To highlight the importance of considering C. difficile as a potential cause of reactive arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 58-year-old woman with C. difficile colitis and reactive arthritis.
- Clinical examination, stool toxin testing, synovial fluid analysis, and exclusion of other causes.
- Treatment with oral vancomycin and anti-inflammatory medication.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bilateral knee joint inflammation.
- C. difficile toxin was detected in stool samples.
- Synovial fluid analysis showed sterile inflammatory fluid.
- The patient experienced complete symptom resolution after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium difficile colitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of reactive arthritis.
- Treatment focused on the underlying C. difficile infection and supportive care for reactive arthritis.
- Recognizing this association is crucial for appropriate patient management.
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