The Journal of the American Dental Association
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 139, No 1, 42-47.
© 2008 American Dental Association
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Blossom, D. B.
Right arrow Articles by McDonald, L. C.
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Blossom, D. B.
Right arrow Articles by McDonald, L. C.

CLINICAL PRACTICE

JADA Continuing Education

The Changing Spectrum of Clostridium Difficile–Associated Disease

Implications for Dentistry



David B. Blossom, MD, Felicia M.T. Lewis, MD and L. Clifford McDonald, MD

Background. Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that causes a wide range of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is best known for its association with uncomplicated antimicrobial-agent–associated diarrhea.

Case Description. The authors describe two previously published cases of Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD) to highlight its varied clinical manifestations. A 48-year-old woman had mild CDAD after receiving antibiotics after undergoing endodontic surgery. She took metronidazole, and her C. difficile infection resolved. A 31-year-old pregnant woman developed severe CDAD after receiving antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. She underwent surgery to remove part of her colon, but her condition worsened, and she died.

Clinical Implications. Dentists often prescribe antimicrobial agents to treat infections. Until recently, these agents also were recommended as prophylaxis for infective endocarditis during invasive oral procedures. An important risk factor for CDAD and recurrent CDAD is antimicrobial agent exposure. Dentists should be aware of CDAD to help prevent its spread and facilitate early recognition and treatment to minimize severe outcomes.

Key Words: Clostridium difficile; antimicrobial agents; emerging disease; diarrhea

Abbreviations: AHA: American Heart Association. • CDAD: Clostridium difficile–associated disease. • OTC: Over-the-counter.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright©1995-2008 American Dental Association (ADA).
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission of ADA.