Clostridioides difficile co-infection with Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)—a potentially fatal combination

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in hospital and community acquired Clostridioides difficile infection in the past decade. In addition to CDI, the rate of infection with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has also increased by 28% in United States in the last five years. Concomitant CDI and EHEC infections are rare and if not identified early such co-infections can be fatal. We present the case of patient with hematochezia who was found to be positive for Clostridioides difficile and EHEC. She had a complicated hospital course that required timely identification of complications and management.

Keywords

• Clostridioides difficile
• Co-infection
• Shiga toxin
• EHEC
• Colitis