Clostridium difficile colitis (or C. difficile colitis) is inflammation of the large intestine (colon) caused by 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. The first step in treatment for C. difficile colitis is to stop taking the antibiotics that caused the infection, if possible. Treatment also may include taking an antibiotic that specifically kills Clostridium difficile.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised	August 3, 2010