Clostridium difficile Flashcards
1
Q
C. diff is a…
A
Gram positive anaerobe
2
Q
C. diff infection usually results from…
A
Suppression of normal gut flora by broad-spectrum antibiotics
3
Q
Features of C. diff infection? (4)
A
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Raised WBC count
Toxic megacolon (in severe cases)
4
Q
How does C. diff cause symptoms?
A
Releases an exotoxin which leads to pseudomembranous colitis
5
Q
Treatment for C. diff? (2)
A
Withdraw offending antibiotics
Start metronidazole/vancomycin
