Sandy has been taking an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although the signs and symptoms of Sandy's UTI resolved after a few days of taking the medication, she complains to you that she has been having watery diarrhea for the last two days, and she wonders whether the antibiotic is affecting her digestive tract. You take the opportunity to give her information about her normal microbiota.
-You are concerned that Sandy may have a C. difficile infection. When normal microbiota is disturbed, organisms such as C. difficile may thrive. What caused the disturbance in Sandy's normal microbiota in this case?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are known to disturb the normal microbiota, which can allow opportunistic pathogens like C. difficile to thrive. Sandy's diarrhea is likely a side effect of this disturbance, and it is important to monitor her for potential C. difficile infection. Sandy's presence in the hospital or dehydration may also contribute to the disturbance, but the primary cause is the antibiotic therapy.

Sandy Has Been Taking an Antibiotic for a Urinary Tract