How is pseudomembranous colitis treated?

Answer: Discontinue offending drug and start metronidazole or vancomycin. Both suppress C. difficile and allow normal flora to return.

Which one of the two exotoxins produced by C. difficile is most responsible for pseudomembranous colitis?

Answer: Cytotoxin kills enterocytes causing pseudomembrane formation.

Name the two exotoxins produced by C. difficile:

1. Cytotoxin

2. Enterotoxin

What commonly causes pseudomembranous colitis?

Answer: Usage of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment (eg, clindamycin or ampicillin) results in suppression of normal GI flora and proliferation of C. difficile. Clostridium difficile is usually acquired from the hospital environment.