A patient was on long term antibiotic therapy for peritonitis. During the course of treatment, he develops mucus diarrhea. Most likely cause of diarrhea is: September 2012
Ans. B i.e. Antibiotic associated diarrhea Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)It results from an imbalance in the colonic microbiota caused by antibiotic therapy.Microbiota alteration changes carbohydrate metabolism with decreased sho-chain fatty acid absorption and an osmotic diarrhea as a result.Another consequence of antibiotic therapy leading to diarrhea is overgrowth of potentially pathogenic organisms such as Clostridium difficile.It is defined as frequent loose and watery stools with no other complications.
Peritonitis
Antibiotic associated diarrhea
Immunocompromised state
Altered bowel habits