Question

The bacterium known for causing pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially deadly superinfection, is _____.

Short answer

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Bacterium

To solve this exercise, recall the information regarding bacterial infections associated with pseudomembranous colitis. This will provide the name of the bacterium responsible for the condition.

Key concepts

Clostridioides difficile

Understanding the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is crucial when studying pseudomembranous colitis. It is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium known for causing severe diarrhea and intestinal conditions, particularly in those with a weakened immune system or following antibiotic therapy. It's the disruption of normal gut flora by antibiotics that often paves the way for C. diff to establish an infection.

Although the bacterium is part of the normal flora in some healthy individuals, its overgrowth can be harmful. Its spores can survive for long periods in the environment, making it highly transmissible and a common source of hospital-acquired infections. The hallmark of C. diff infection is the production of toxins that damage the intestines, leading to pseudomembranous colitis.

Bacterial Superinfections

A bacterial superinfection occurs when an additional bacterial infection establishes itself during or after treatment for a previous infection. This often happens when the initial treatment, such as antibiotics, disrupts the body's microbial balance, reducing resistance to new infections.

Superinfections can be more severe than the original infection and may require different or more aggressive treatment. Clostridioides difficile is a classic example of a bacterium capable of causing a superinfection, particularly in individuals hospitalized and receiving long-term antibiotic treatment. The reduced competition from other bacteria, eradicated by the antibiotics, allows C. diff to colonize and infect the colon, turning into a full-blown superinfection.

Microbial Pathogenesis

Microbial pathogenesis refers to the mechanisms through which bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile cause disease. The pathogenesis of C. diff involves several factors including adhesion to the gut lining, colonization, and toxin production. Its toxins damage the cells of the lining of the large intestine, leading to inflammation and the characteristic plaques or pseudomembranes seen in pseudomembranous colitis.

Uncovering the pathogenic process can inform treatment strategies. For C. diff, these strategies might involve not only antibiotics targeted to the bacterium but also measures to restore the natural microbial flora, such as probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation. Understanding microbial pathogenesis is crucial for managing infections and preventing their spread within communities and healthcare settings.