Characteristics and pathology of C. Difficile
Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, is an environmental anaerobic bacterium with the ability to infect the human gastrointestinal tract. This bacterium is associated with a wide range of intestinal disorders, ranging from mild inflammations to severe conditions. It can also exist as a resident bacterium in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in hospitalized patients, without causing signs or symptoms. Infections from C. difficile are generally the result of a change in the composition of the intestinal bacterial flora, a condition known as dysbiosis. This change can be triggered by the excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics, which can eliminate the normal intestinal bacterial flora, allowing C. difficile to proliferate. The symptoms of C. difficile infection can vary in severity and include persistent or bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the infection can progress to a more severe form called pseudomembranous colitis, characterized by the formation of a “membrane” composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, fibrin, and other elements drawn to the inflammatory process. This membrane covers the intestinal lumen, leading to various complications, including colonic perforation, toxic megacolon, acute abdomen, and sepsis. Diagnosis of the infection is achieved through stool cultures to detect the presence of the bacterium or its toxins. This can be done using specialized laboratory tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or toxicity tests. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment. The treatment of C. difficile infections depends on the severity of the infection. In some cases, simply discontinuing the use of the antibiotic that triggered the infection may be sufficient. However, for moderate to severe infections, specific antibiotics such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin may be necessary. In severe or recurrent situations, fecal microbiota transplantation from a healthy donor may be considered to restore the intestinal flora.