Fulminant, non-antibiotic associated clostridium difficile colitis following salmonella gastroenteritis

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. © 2010 Society of General Internal Medicine.