Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
06:45

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis

Published on: December 18, 2010

Cefazolin-induced pseudomembranous colitis resulting in perforation of the sigmoid colon

T Osler, D Lott, J Bordley

    Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
    |February 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    This report details a rare but serious case of cefazolin-induced pseudomembranous colitis, leading to colon perforation and complex surgical management. It highlights the critical risks associated with antibiotic use, even for prophylaxis.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Surgical Oncology

    Background:

    • Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe gastrointestinal condition often linked to antibiotic use.
    • Cefazolin, a commonly used antibiotic, has been rarely associated with this complication.

    Observation:

    • A seventh case of probable cefazolin-induced pseudomembranous colitis is presented.
    • Colon perforation occurred, necessitating sigmoid resection and complex postoperative care.

    Findings:

    • Advanced pseudomembranous colitis poses significant management challenges, particularly when oral antibiotic administration is not feasible.
    • Cefazolin-related pseudomembranous colitis, though infrequent, can be life-threatening.

    Implications:

    • The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics requires careful consideration of potential severe adverse events.
    • Clinicians must remain vigilant for rare but serious antibiotic-induced complications like pseudomembranous colitis.

    More Related Videos

    Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection07:06

    Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection

    Published on: December 8, 2014

    Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R2029106:51

    Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291

    Published on: December 10, 2016

    Related Concept Videos

    Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD01:29

    Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

    Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation. 
    Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

    Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

    Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
    The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

    Introduction
    Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
    Risk Factors
    The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
    Amebiasis01:28

    Amebiasis

    Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
    Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

    Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

    Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
    Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

    Diverticular Disease of the Colon

    Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...