What is Pseudomembranous Colitis?
Unlike regular colitis, pseudo membranous colitis is characteristic of a specific infection of the large intestine (colon) due to overgrowth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. This bacteria is normally present in the intestine. However, it can have the potential to overgrow when antibiotics are administered. The bacteria release a powerful toxin that causes the symptoms, and the lining of the colon becomes irritated, and can bleed.
In children, the disease is common among those taking some of the more common types of antibiotics. While, pseudo membranous colitis is rare in infants less than 12 months old because they have protective antibodies from the mother, and because the toxin does not cause disease in most infants. The disease is also very common in a hospital setting as it can spread from one patient to the next easily.