Pseudomembranous Colitis

PMC has emerged, particularly in recent years, as a major and very expensive healthcare problem. Spores formed by the organism are implicated in spread of infection and have implications for hygiene and prevention of infection. C. difficile is an anaerobic Gram-positive rod which secretes two types of toxin (A and B), which cause disruption to the barrier function of the colonic mucosa. They are cytotoxic to cells of the intestinal tract, B being about 1,000 times more potent than A. Transmission of infection is via an indirect faeco-oral route, through spores left on surfaces. The spores can survive for months and patients can become carriers. The risk of colonisation increases with length of hospital stay.