What is the typical presentation of a C. difficile infection?

What is the typical presentation of a C. difficile infection?

• A. Chronic cough and wheeze
• B. Three or more loose stools, abdominal pain, and fever
• C. Rash and joint pain
• D. Joint stiffness and swelling

Answer: (B)

C. difficile infection most often shows up as antibiotic-associated diarrhea: three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, with abdominal pain and sometimes low-grade fever. This pattern reflects toxin-mediated inflammation of the colon, which can range from mild diarrhea to more severe colitis. The other symptom clusters don’t fit this GI picture—respiratory symptoms point to a lung issue, while rash with joint pain or joint stiffness and swelling suggest dermatologic or rheumatologic problems, not C. difficile infection. If diarrhea follows recent antibiotic use, suspect C. difficile and consider stool testing and appropriate management.

C. difficile infection most often shows up as antibiotic-associated diarrhea: three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, with abdominal pain and sometimes low-grade fever. This pattern reflects toxin-mediated inflammation of the colon, which can range from mild diarrhea to more severe colitis. The other symptom clusters don’t fit this GI picture—respiratory symptoms point to a lung issue, while rash with joint pain or joint stiffness and swelling suggest dermatologic or rheumatologic problems, not C. difficile infection. If diarrhea follows recent antibiotic use, suspect C. difficile and consider stool testing and appropriate management.