Clostridioides difficile infection

Clostridioides difficile infection is intestinal disease caused by toxin-producing C. difficile bacteria. It often follows antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiota and can range from diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.

Clostridioides difficile: A spore-forming bacterium that can cause toxin-mediated intestinal disease, especially after antibiotic exposure. This bacterium produces the toxins that drive the infection’s intestinal injury.
Clostridioides difficile infection diagnosis: The clinical and laboratory process used to determine whether C. difficile is causing intestinal symptoms. Testing must be interpreted alongside compatible diarrhea because colonization can occur without disease.
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: A return of symptomatic C. difficile infection after an earlier episode has improved or resolved. Recurrence is common because treatment may not eliminate spores or restore microbial resistance.
Clostridium perfringens food poisoning: A foodborne illness caused by enterotoxin-producing Clostridium perfringens, typically causing brief diarrhea and cramps. It also causes toxin-mediated diarrhea, but usually follows contaminated food rather than antibiotic-driven dysbiosis.
Toxin A: A large C. difficile toxin that disrupts intestinal barrier cells and promotes inflammation. It contributes to fluid loss and inflammation in infected intestinal tissue.
Fidaxomicin: An antibiotic used to treat C. difficile infection, with relatively limited effects on other gut bacteria. It is a preferred treatment option that may reduce recurrence compared with vancomycin.
Fulminant colitis: A rapidly progressive, life-threatening inflammation of the colon that can cause shock or organ failure. C. difficile can progress to this severe complication, requiring urgent treatment.
Inflammatory bowel disease: A group of chronic disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involving persistent intestinal inflammation. Its symptoms can resemble C. difficile colitis, so infection must be considered during flares.
Toxin B: A potent C. difficile toxin that damages the cytoskeleton of intestinal cells and can cause cell death. It is a major driver of tissue damage in the infection.
Vancomycin: An antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis and is given orally for C. difficile infection. Oral vancomycin treats intestinal infection while achieving high concentrations in the gut.

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