A CASE OF ANTIBIOTIC ASSOCIATED PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ALLERGIC REACTION TO AN ANTIBIOTIC

Abstract

A twenty-six-year old female who had been well and had no serious disease developed pseudomembranous colitis after ampicillin and cloxacillin (Viccillin-S) therapy for acute tonsilitis. Barium enema examination revealed a loss of haustration and a marked narrowing of the colon and colonoscopy showed maculae-like pseudomembrane extensive-ly. A relap:;e occurred after cessation of metronidazole (Flagyl) and it was successfully treated with Vancomycin. A possible role of allergic reaction to Viccillen S in the case was evaluated. All tests including skin reaction, rectal mucosa reaction and lymphocyte transformation to Viccillin S were negative. Laboratory findings revealed no elevation of eosinophil, I gE or immune complex in the peripheral blood. From these, it was concluded that the case developed pseudomembranous colitis without relation to allergic mechanism with Viccillin S.