Catalog

Pseudomembranous colitis

No MMS code

Link to WHO Definition

Pseudomembranous colitis – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/2114593305

Pseudomembranous colitis is infection of the large intestine (colon) with an overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile). The overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile bacteria may occur if one takes antibiotics due to a disturbance of the intestinal flora (antibiotic-associated diarrhoea). Pseudomembranous colitis specifically describes the formation of a membranous exudate in the colon, which occurs in approximately half of cases of C. difficile colitis. The illness is characterised by intractable diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain, and in severe cases life-threatening complications can develop, such as toxic megacolon.