Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 9, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for 28-year-old Male with Prolonged Diarrhea

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI): Given the patient's history of antibiotic use (Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole) and the persistence of diarrhea despite normalization of AKI and lack of growth on stool culture, CDI is a highly plausible diagnosis. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common side effect, and CDI is a well-known complication of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea not related to CDI: Other mechanisms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, such as changes in gut flora, could be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation: Although less likely given the acute onset and lack of prior history, an exacerbation of IBD (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) could present with similar symptoms.
  • Viral gastroenteritis: Some viral infections can cause prolonged diarrhea, although the absence of other symptoms (e.g., vomiting, fever) and the lack of epidemic context make this less likely.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cholera: Although rare in many parts of the world, cholera can cause profuse, watery diarrhea and is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its potential for severe dehydration and high mortality if not promptly treated.
  • Toxic megacolon: A life-threatening complication of inflammatory bowel disease or infectious colitis, characterized by significant colonic dilation, which could be masked by the patient's current symptoms and antibiotic treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Microscopic colitis: A condition characterized by chronic, watery diarrhea, often without other symptoms, and diagnosed by colonoscopy and biopsy. It's less likely given the acute onset but could be considered if other diagnoses are ruled out.
  • Whipple's disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea among other symptoms. It's an unlikely diagnosis given the acute presentation and lack of other systemic symptoms but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea of unknown origin.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.