Clostridium difficile is a Gram positive rod often encountered in hospital practice - can be found in up to 25% of asymptomatic hospitalised adults on Abx
Characterised by inflammation of the colon and the formation of pseudomembranes. Occurs in patients whose normal bowel flora has been disrupted by recent antibiotic use.
It produces an exotoxin which causes intestinal damage leading to a syndrome called pseudomembranous colitis. Clostridium difficile develops when the normal gut flora are suppressed by broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Clindamycin is historically associated with causing Clostridium difficile but the aetiology has evolved significantly over the past 10 years. Second and third generation cephalosporins are now the leading cause of Clostridium difficile.
Other than antibiotics, risk factors include:
*Sx usually start 5-10 days after Abx therapy (Occasionally patients may have no Abx history)