Pseudomembranous colitis: fatal clostridium difficile infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a disease primarily affecting the large intestine, characterised by diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever due to enterotoxins. The severe form of this infection, known as pseudomembranous colitis, carries a high mortality rate if not promptly recognised and treated. Its incidence is on the rise among pregnant women, posing significant risks to both the mother and foetus. Here, we report a fatal case of pseudomembranous colitis in a young pregnant woman. Maintaining a high index of clinical vigilance in pregnant individuals experiencing unexplained diarrhoea enables timely investigations and prompt treatment, averting adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.

Keywords

• CDI in pregnancy
• Clostridium difficile
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Morbidity in pregnancy