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Is pseudomembranous colitis infectious?
Abstract:
A cluster of eight patients in two adjacent hospital wards acquired acute diarrhoea within a period of 11 days. All their stool samples contained Clostridium difficile toxin and C. difficile was isolated in every case. Three patients had rectal biopsy findings compatible with pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). All the patients responded to treatment with oral vancomycin. Until the possibility of PMC being acquired by cross-infection is clarified such patients should be nursed in isolation with strict enteric precautions.
Insights
A hospital outbreak of acute diarrhea was linked to Clostridium difficile infection. Prompt isolation and vancomycin treatment were effective, highlighting the need for strict precautions against this infectious colitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea.
- Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a severe manifestation of CDI.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a cluster of acute diarrhea cases in a hospital setting.
- To identify the causative agent and clinical presentation.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and recommend control measures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of eight patients with acute diarrhea in adjacent hospital wards.
- Stool sample analysis for Clostridium difficile toxin and bacterial isolation.
- Rectal biopsy examination for patients with severe symptoms.
Main Results:
- Eight patients developed acute diarrhea within 11 days.
- All stool samples tested positive for Clostridium difficile toxin and the bacteria.
- Three patients showed rectal biopsy findings consistent with pseudomembranous colitis.
- All patients responded well to oral vancomycin treatment.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak was attributed to Clostridium difficile infection.
- Oral vancomycin proved effective in treating the affected patients.
- Strict enteric precautions and isolation of patients are recommended to prevent cross-infection.