Fecal Bacterial Flora in Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile associated colitis is an increasing problem in hospitals throughout the developed world; the number of cases has increased, and the failure to respond to conventional therapy has become far more common. The investigators have recently documented in the medical literature (Clin Infect Dis, June, 2005; Lancet Infect Dis, August, 2005). Possible reasons for failure of treatment include persistence of C. difficile and/or imbalance of other bacterial flora in the colon. The bacteriology of fecal flora in C. difficile associated diarrhea has not been studied.