After initial “cure” of Clostridium difficile with antibiotics, about 15-25% of patients develop a recurrence within a few days to several months. The chance of a recurrence depends in large part on the type of antibiotic being taken, such as Flagyl, Vanco, or Dificid, as well as the age of the patient.
This repeat infection can keep on recurring, even after multiple courses of antibiotics. We have seen some unfortunate patients with 10 or more attacks of C. diff in a two-year period. It can lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and diminished quality of life.
We think that recurrence of C. diff depends on a “Perfect Storm” of several factors:
1. Simultaneous failure of the immune system with inadequate antibody formation
2. Failure of the colonic flora to regenerate, owing to exposure to antibiotics.
Failure of the immune system to generate an antibody response is quite common after age 60. The older the patient, the weaker the response to an infection or to vaccination
This repeat infection can keep on recurring, even after multiple courses of antibiotics. We have seen some unfortunate patients with 10 or more attacks of C. diff in a two-year period. It can lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and diminished quality of life.
We think that recurrence of C. diff depends on a “Perfect Storm” of several factors:
1. Simultaneous failure of the immune system with inadequate antibody formation
2. Failure of the colonic flora to regenerate, owing to exposure to antibiotics.
Failure of the immune system to generate an antibody response is quite common after age 60. The older the patient, the weaker the response to an infection or to vaccination
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