Spectrum of Acute Diarrhea in a General Hospital

Abstract

“Antibiotic bowel” is still a nebulous concept in the minds of most physicians. Staphylococcal enterotoxin has been implicated as a primary agent in the production of pseudomembranous enterocolitis. The milder gastrointestinal disorders occurring as side effects of antibiotics generally respond satisfactorily to discontinuance of the drugs and to other measures aimed at restoring the normal intestinal flora. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis requires prompt supportive therapy plus the use of adrenocorticotropic hormones and appropriate antibiotics.