| Theme | Differential diagnosis for common enterocolitis, especially in endoscopic findings | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Clostridium difficile infection | |
| Publish Date | 2014/07 | |
| Author | Yasuo Suzuki | Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University |
| [ Summary ] | Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are caused by toxins produced by Clostridium difficile (CD). Those are one form of colitises which cause nonspecific symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or fever. CDI presents specific features related to pseudomembranous colitis. However, some cases of CDI exhibit non-specific findings such as red spots or aphtoid erosions without pseudomembranes forming. As a result, CDI cases without pseudomembranous colitis require examination of stool samples for CD toxins in order to formurate an accurate diagnosis of CDI. Greater knowledge concerning proper usage of antibiotics and prevention of CDI will improve treatments for CDI patients. | |