Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is loose or frequent stool during or after antibiotic treatment, caused by disrupted intestinal microbes or an intestinal infection.

Gut microbiota: The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract and their collective genetic material. Antibiotics can disrupt this community, weakening its resistance to diarrhea-causing microbes.
Clostridioides difficile testing: Laboratory testing of stool for Clostridioides difficile toxins, genes, or organisms. Testing helps distinguish suspected C. difficile infection from uncomplicated antibiotic-related symptoms.
Clostridioides difficile colitis: Inflammation of the colon caused by toxins from Clostridioides difficile. This severe infectious form can follow antibiotics and is distinct from uncomplicated diarrhea.
Dehydration: A deficit of body water that impairs normal physiological function. Persistent watery stools can cause dehydration, especially in older adults and young children.
Colonization resistance: The ability of resident microorganisms to limit the establishment and growth of pathogens. Loss of this microbial protection can let opportunistic pathogens multiply during treatment.
Oral rehydration therapy: Replacement of water and electrolytes by drinking a properly balanced solution. Fluid and electrolyte replacement addresses the main immediate risk of significant diarrhea.
Antibiotic-associated hemorrhagic colitis: Acute bloody colitis, often linked to Klebsiella oxytoca after certain antibiotic treatments. Bloody diarrhea signals a less common antibiotic-associated condition, not routine loose stools.
Electrolyte imbalance: An abnormal concentration of dissolved mineral ions in body fluids. Prolonged diarrhea can deplete or disturb electrolytes alongside fluid loss.
Clostridioides difficile infection: An intestinal infection caused by toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile bacteria. This is the major infectious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can become severe.
Fidaxomicin: An oral antibiotic used to treat Clostridioides difficile infection. It is a targeted treatment option when diarrhea is caused by C. difficile.

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