Open AccessClostridium difficile infection in cystic fibrosis: an uncommon but life‐threatening complication
Author(s) -
Piccolo Francesco,
Tai Anna Sze,
Ee Hooi,
Mulrennan Siobhain,
Bell Scott,
Ryan Gerard
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.204
Subject(s) - medicine , clostridium difficile , cystic fibrosis , presentation (obstetrics) , asymptomatic , complication , carriage , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , surgery , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , antibiotics , biology
Adults with cystic fibrosis ( CF ) have significant rates of asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage and are frequently exposed to risk factors for C. difficile infection ( CDI ). Despite this, the rate of reported CDI in CF is low. We describe three cases of near fatal CDI in adults with CF and review the literature regarding presentation, management, and recurrence prevention. Early recognition is important as the clinical presentation may be atypical and the illness can be severe and even life‐threatening. Management can be complicated by respiratory and nutritional failure. CF ‐related gastrointestinal dysfunction may alter the typical host–pathogen interaction between patient and C. difficile , potentially explaining the low rates of CDI and atypical presentation.