Question

A patient who is not a healthcare worker is diagnosed with C. difficile pseudomembranous colitis. What most likely led to this infection?
a. The patient was recently treated with a bacteriostatic drug.
b. The patient was recently treated with a broad-spectrum drug.
c. The patient was treated with a bactericidal drug.
d. The patient recently became immune compromised and therefore had an increased risk for infection.
e. The patient was recently exposed to someone with an active C. difficile infection.

Accepted Answer

Understand that Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) pseudomembranous colitis typically occurs when the normal gut flora is disrupted, allowing C. difficile to overgrow and produce toxins that damage the colon. Recognize that broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the normal intestinal microbiota by killing a wide range of bacteria, including beneficial ones, which creates an environment where C. difficile can thrive. Consider that bacteriostatic and bactericidal drugs differ in their mechanisms, but the key factor in C. difficile infection is the disruption of normal flora rather than the killing mechanism alone. Evaluate the options: immunocompromised status or direct exposure to an infected person can increase risk but are less common causes compared to antibiotic use in community-acquired cases. Conclude that the most likely cause in a non-healthcare worker patient is recent treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which disrupts gut flora and predisposes to C. difficile infection.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Clostridioides difficile Infection and Pseudomembranous Colitis

Impact of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics on Gut Microbiota

Difference Between Bacteriostatic and Bactericidal Drugs