Staphylococcal enterocolitis

Staphylococcal enterocolitis is a severe inflammatory infection of the small intestine and colon caused by an overgrowth of toxin-producing *Staphylococcus aureus* strains, most often following disruption of the normal gut microbiota by broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy or abdominal surgery Pathophysiologically, mucosal colonization and subsequent production of staphylococcal enterotoxins acting as superantigens induce profound mucosal inflammation, epithelial injury, and mucosal necrosis Cli...

Staphylococcal enterocolitis is a severe inflammatory infection of the small intestine and colon caused by an overgrowth of toxin-producing *Staphylococcus aureus* strains, most often following disruption of the normal gut microbiota by broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy or abdominal surgery While it can affect individuals of any age, it occurs predominantly in hospitalized adults, immunocompromised patients, and premature or low-birth-weight infants

Pathophysiologically, mucosal colonization and subsequent production of staphylococcal enterotoxins acting as superantigens induce profound mucosal inflammation, epithelial injury, and mucosal necrosis

Clinically, the condition is characterized by high-volume, watery or cholera-like diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, fever, and leukocytosis, which can rapidly lead to profound dehydration, electrolyte derangements, and hemodynamic instability