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- Denene Lofland, PhD, MT(ASCP)⇑
- Floyd Josephat, EdD, MT (ASCP)
- Sarah Partin, BS, MLS
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Address for Correspondence: Denene Lofland, PhD, MT(ASCP),
Armstrong Atlantic State University, Department of Medical Technology, 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31419, 912-344-3189, Denene.lofland{at}armstrong.edu
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) results in clinical manifestations ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis. Infection is most often initiated by antimicrobial therapy which causes an imbalance in normal colonic microflora. The pathogenesis of C. difficile is predominantly controlled by the production of its two cytotoxins, A and B, which damage the intestinal mucosa. In recent years a nationwide increase in the rate of CDI has been noted as well as an increase in mortality, reduced initial response to antimicrobials, extended resolution time, and increased rates of recurrence. Traditional treatment includes administration of antimicrobials. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is an alternative therapy for CDI that is effective and promising in multiple CDI relapse patients. This paper will provide an overview of CDI epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, and explore the case of a 53-year-old woman suffering from her sixth episode of CDI.
ABBREVIATIONS: CDI - Clostridium difficile infection, PMC - pseudomembranous colitis, FMT = Fecal microbiota transplant, GTPases - guanosine triphosphatases, GDH - glutamate dehydrogenase, EIA -= enzyme immunoassay, NAAT - nucleic acid amplification test
- © Copyright 2013 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Inc. All rights reserved.
