Clostridium difficile – Part 2
It is important to note that C diff colitis can occur after a single dose of antibiotics (such as that given preoperatively), can present up to 4 weeks after antibiotics have been discontinued, and can reoccur 3 to 14 days after apparent successful treatment.
Although C diff colitis is most closely associated with the use of antibiotics, it can develop secondary to other
conditions. It has been reported to occur in severe, debilitating illness such as seen in patients with long hospitalizations, some forms of malignancy, and after some non-antibiotic medications such as drugs given for immunosuppression in transplant patients.
Copyright 2006 Insidesurgery.com
Remember, the treatment if vancomycin is required is to give it by mouth, NOT intravenously!!