Drug-induced pseudomembranous enterocolitis: a new etiologic agent.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is an iatrogenic illness resulting from the oral or intramuscular use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is characterized by diarrhea, mucosal inflammation, and pseudomembrane formation in the gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis is established by an index of suspicion in individuals who have been on antibiotic therapy, proctosigmoidoscopic examination, stool smears, cultures, and sensitivity. Treatment should be directed to eliminating the etiologic factor and replacing the physiologic abnormality.