INHIBITION OF C. DIFFICILE INFECTIONS BY INDIGESTIBLE OLIGOSACCHARIDES

摘要

The primary etiology of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (also known as pseudomembranous colitis) has been recognized as Clostridium difficile. It is believed that the indigenous microflora of a healthy individual suppresses the normally present C. difficile. However, when the indigenous microflora are disrupted (e.g., during antibiotic treatment) overgrowth of C. difficile may occur causing diarrhea and colitis. Treatment of C. difficile with antibiotics has proven effective, but many times relapse occurs; and dehydration due to diarrhea is an exacerbating problem. It has been suggested that normalization of the microflora will inhibit C. difficile relapse. Indigestible oligosaccharides have been shown to inhibit C. difficile infection. An oral rehydration solution containing such indigestible oligosaccharides also provides fluid and electrolyte replacement.