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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Clostridium difficile disease: diagnosis and treatment
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle 98104, USA.
The Gastroenterologist
|April 8, 1998
Summary
Clostridium difficile infections are common hospital-acquired gastrointestinal issues. Saccharomyces boulardii may help prevent recurrent C. difficile disease when used with standard treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of nosocomial gastrointestinal infections.
- Antibiotic therapy is a common trigger, though sporadic cases occur.
- Diagnosis relies on toxin B detection, with variable rapid test performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile infections.
- To discuss treatment options for initial and recurrent disease.
- To highlight prevention strategies for C. difficile.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Clostridium difficile diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of therapeutic guidelines for metronidazole and vancomycin.
- Evaluation of evidence for Saccharomyces boulardii in preventing recurrence.
Main Results:
- Cytotoxin assay for toxin B is the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Oral metronidazole is first-line therapy; vancomycin is reserved for specific cases.
- Saccharomyces boulardii shows efficacy in reducing C. difficile recurrence as an adjunct therapy.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of Clostridium difficile involves accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
- Recurrent infections present a challenge, with Saccharomyces boulardii offering a preventive option.
- Prevention strategies, including hand hygiene and environmental decontamination, are crucial for controlling epidemics.
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