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Recurrent Clostridium difficile diarrhea associated with mitoxantrone and etoposide: a case report and review
1Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Saskatoon District Health Board, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Abstract:
Clostridium difficile colitis most commonly occurs in association with antibiotic administration and infrequently with antineoplastic agents. Our patient experienced recurrent C. difficile diarrhea associated with mitoxantrone and etoposide. He received antibiotics during the 6 months, but each episode of diarrhea was preceded by at least a 6-week antibiotic-free period. In addition, antineoplastic therapy preceded each episode by 8 or 9 days. Clinicians should be aware that antineoplastic drugs may precipitate overgrowth of C. difficile in the bowel.
Insights
Recurrent Clostridium difficile colitis can be triggered by chemotherapy agents like mitoxantrone and etoposide, not just antibiotics. This highlights a potential risk of antineoplastic drugs precipitating C. difficile overgrowth.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Clostridium difficile colitis is typically linked to antibiotic use.
- Antineoplastic agents are infrequently associated with C. difficile infections.
- Chemotherapy can alter the gut microbiome, increasing susceptibility to infections.