[Clostridium difficile bacteremia]

Abstract

Background: Extra-digestive manifestations of Clostridium difficile infection are very uncommon. Exceptional cases of C. difficile bacteremia or severe sepsis have been described in intensive care patients, demonstrating the capacity of this agent to generate generalized infection.

Case report: C. difficile bacteremia occurred in a 66-year-old immunodepressed patient treated for acute myeloblastic leukemia. Bacteremia was associated with a abscess of the anal margin. Outcome was favorable after treatment with metronidosole.

Discussion: Clostridium difficile is generally selected by prior antibiotic treatment. It is the principal agent of nosocomial diarrhea. In immunodepressed patients, systemic dissemination is a rare but possible development.