Staphylococcal enterocolitis.

Abstract

Staphylococcal enterocolitis has recently become a serious problem on the surgical service of this hospital. This paper presents 16 bacteriologically proved cases which have occurred since 1953, in all of which the patient survived. Many of these patients were critically ill and survived only because of early diagnosis, early adequate treatment, and close physician supervision. Emphasis is placed on treatment of dehydration, hypovolemia, and shock. We believe that cross infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Prophylaxis should be directed toward control of cross infection and judicious use of antibiotics. The clinical picture and treatment are discussed, and three cases are presented in detail. <h3>History</h3> The relationship of this disease to the pseudomembranous enterocolitis which occurred prior to the antibiotic era has not been definitely established. The latter disease was first described by Finney in 1893.¹⁰In 1939 Penner and Bernheim²⁷presented a study of 40 autopsy