Linezolid contributed to Clostridium difficile colitis with fatal outcome.

Linezolid, the first of a new class of antibacterial drugs, the oxazolidinones, has inhibitory activity against a broad range of gram-positive aerobic cocci and also against certain anaerobes. Although diarrhea is one of the most frequently encountered adverse effects of linezolid, Clostridium difficile-related complications are very uncommon. One case of fatal C. difficile colitis in a patient with spondylodiscitis, who had received a long-term course of linezolid therapy, is presented. Colitis was able to be exclusively assigned to linezolid. Factors contributing to the colitis are discussed.