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General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
    Slide 131: Colon with pseudomembranous colitis
     
    This specimen is a complete cross section of colon and the action is taking place on the mucosal surface and the mucus seen in the lumen (the  detached junk). In this case, the history of the patient is key to making the diagnosis.  What history do we mean?

    See this slide with the virtual microscope.

    As you may know, this condition is caused by antibiotic usage. The causative organism is a clostridial organism that can sporulate, and return after the antibiotic has disappeared. The bug is actually on the surface of the bowel, and elicits a marked acute inflammatory response. Here you will see an acute inflammatory exudate in some of the crypts and on the surface of the mucosa. You won't be able to see the organisms in all likelihood.
     
    The insert shows the PMNs in the mucus. 


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