Fulminant, non-antibiotic associated Clostridium difficile colitis following Salmonella gastroenteritis

J Gen Intern Med. 2011 Jan;26(1):95-7. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1466-y. Epub 2010 Aug 10.

Abstract

In the last decade there has been increasing awareness of the virulence and changing epidemiology of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). While the vast majority of clinical cases of C. difficile are associated with antimicrobial or nosocomial exposure, this syndrome has been well described in the absence of antibiotic use. We present an unusual case of fatal, non-antibiotic associated C. difficile colitis following Salmonella serotype Saintpaul gastroenteritis in a previously healthy young person. We review the typical risk factors for C. difficile colitis and fulminant disease. We also review the epidemiology of community-acquired C. difficile-associated disease (CA-CDAD) and highlight Salmonella infection as a potential risk factor for development of CA-CDAD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clostridioides difficile* / pathogenicity
  • Endotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / etiology*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / complications
  • Gastroenteritis / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Salmonella Infections / complications*
  • Salmonella Infections / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Endotoxins
  • salmonella toxin