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Relapsing Clostridium difficile enterocolitis cured by rectal infusion of normal faeces
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Recurrent Clostridium difficile enterocolitis can be difficult to treat. Fecal enemas, a novel approach, successfully cured a patient unresponsive to vancomycin and lacking antibodies to C. difficile cytotoxin.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated enterocolitis frequently recurs, posing challenges for patients.
- Standard vancomycin treatment failed to prevent relapse in this patient, occurring 2-3 weeks post-treatment.
Observation:
- The patient did not develop serum antibodies against Clostridium difficile cytotoxin (toxin B).
- This lack of antibody response may indicate a compromised immune defense against the toxin.
Findings:
- Rectal infusion of fresh fecal matter (fecal enema) led to a definitive cure.
- This suggests the restoration of a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for resolving recurrent infections.
Implications:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation via enema presents a viable alternative for refractory Clostridium difficile enterocolitis.
- Further research into immune responses and microbiome restoration is warranted for treating persistent C. difficile infections.