CLARA L.*, GRECO G.
SECCION INFECTOLOGIA SECCION BACTERIOLOGlA .HOSPITAL ITALIANO DE BS.AS REPUBLICA ARGENTINA.

In the early eighties the first several cases of colitis and diarrhea linked to Clostridium difficile were identified at our institution. At the beginning, diagnosis was made using endoscopy, pathology and non selective cultures and lately in selective medium (alcohol-lisozym and finally CCFA).

Surprisingly, Upjhon research division was interessed in our files and provided to us Clostridium sordelli is antitoxin wich was employed for counterinmunoelectrophoresis and citotoxicity later.

As the clinical community showed complete unbelief at our data the microbiologists invited us to report our experience in every scientifical event, moreover, we were awarded.

The inicial cases were only in in-patients as well as their samples. Every of them had a consult with intfectologist and gastroenterologists, Endoscopy, culture and search for toxin were done almost sistematically.

Bacitracin was imported because vancomycin was not available.

At the beginning of ninetys search for toxin doubles cultures as main method for diagnosis of diarrheas associated to Clostridium difficile. At the same time the refered samples began to be received (they were no less than 10%).

In 1997 57% of the samples were submitted by institutions abroad and consisted mainlv in toxin search.

Gi tract endoscopy signifficantly lessened as well as the speciatist consults. The most widely used treatment was metronidazol.

What will be wait for us in 2000?