Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that results in excess growth of a certain type of bacteria (Clostridium difficile). It sometimes occurs after a hospital stay or antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms (which can be mild or severe) include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is treated with an antibiotic that specifically kills the organism.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise