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Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences 5/2010

01-05-2010 | Review

Staphylococcal Enterocolitis: Forgotten but Not Gone?

Authors: Zheng Lin, Donald P. Kotler, Patrick M. Schlievert, Emilia Mia Sordillo

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 5/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

Staphylococcus aureus may cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea and enterocolitis, with or without preceding antibiotic use, in immunocompromised adults or infants, or individuals with predisposing conditions, but there is little appreciation of this condition clinically.

Clinical Disease

The main clinical feature that helps to differentiate staphylococcal enterocolitis (SEC) from Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is large-volume, cholera-like diarrhea in the former case. A predominance of gram-positive cocci in clusters on gram stain of stool or biopsy specimens and the isolation of S. aureus as the dominant or sole flora support the diagnosis.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of SEC requires the interaction of staphylococcal enterotoxins, which function as superantigens, with interstitial epithelial lymphocytes and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs).

Management

Most SEC represents recent S. aureus acquisition, so that improved infection prevention practices can reduce disease recurrence. Management should include aggressive fluid management and repletion and oral vancomycin.
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Metadata
Title
Staphylococcal Enterocolitis: Forgotten but Not Gone?
Authors
Zheng Lin
Donald P. Kotler
Patrick M. Schlievert
Emilia Mia Sordillo
Publication date
01-05-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0886-1

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