Diseases and Conditions
Pseudomembranous colitis
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Preparing for an appointment
Overview
Pseudomembranous (SOO-doe-mem-bruh-nus) colitis, also called antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis, is inflammation of the colon associated with an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) — often called C. diff.
This overgrowth of C. difficile is often related to a recent hospital stay or antibiotic treatment. C. difficile infections are more common in people over 65 years old.