Abstract:

Clostridium difficile infection is the leading cause of hospital acquired diarrhea. The patients can be asymptomatic carriers or present a mild diarrhea, a pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, sepsis and death. There is controversy in this infection’s including the best method of diagnosis and also regarding therapeutic regimen.

In cases in which Clostridium infection is confirmed, the first and most effective measure is the withdrawal of any antibiotic treatment the patient is receiving, if possible. The antimicrobial treatment is based on three classic agents: metronidazole, vancomycin and teicoplanin, along with the recent addition of fidaxomicin and ridinilazol.

Patients presenting serious symptoms, in addition to appropriate support and monitoring measures, may require surgical treatment. This review’s aim is to provide an update on the pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies on the management of this pathogen.

Key words: Clostridium difficile; Clostridium difficile infection; pseudomembranous colitis