Final answer:
Severe C. difficile colitis is an inflammation of the colon caused by the C. difficile bacterium, often following antibiotic use. Treatment includes stopping the inciting antibiotic, supportive therapy with fluids and electrolytes, and using metronidazole or vancomycin. Fecal transplants are also used successfully to restore gut microbiota.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe Clostridium difficile colitis is a form of colitis caused by the overgrowth of the C. difficile bacterium. This typically occurs after the normal gut microbiota has been disturbed by antibiotic use. Severe colitis manifests as inflammation of the colon, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. If not treated properly, it can result in colon perforation, septicemia, shock, and even death.
Treatment for severe C. difficile colitis often starts with the cessation of the causative antibiotic. Supportive therapy, including rehydration and electrolyte replacement, is critical. Metronidazole is commonly used as the first-line treatment, with vancomycin reserved for cases where metronidazole is ineffective or contraindicated. Moreover, a fecal transplant is an emerging treatment that has shown over 90% success in resolving C. difficile infections by restoring the gut microbiota.
Diagnosis is made through the detection of C. difficile toxins in the stool using PCR or ELISA, and management includes strict infection control practices to prevent spread within healthcare settings.