## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of infectious complications in immunocompromised patients, specifically those with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and febrile neutropenia. The development of diarrhea after antibiotic therapy, particularly amoxicillin, points towards a specific type of infection.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)**, is a well-known cause of diarrhea in patients receiving antibiotics. C. difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe that can cause pseudomembranous colitis. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin disrupts the normal gut flora, allowing C. difficile to overgrow and produce toxins that lead to diarrhea and colitis. Patients with ALL and febrile neutropenia are particularly susceptible to such infections due to their compromised immune status.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** *Escherichia coli* can cause diarrhea but is less commonly associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea in this context compared to C. difficile.
- **Option B:** *Salmonella* species can cause gastroenteritis but are not as strongly linked to antibiotic use as C. difficile.
- **Option C:** *Shigella* species can cause dysentery but are less commonly implicated in antibiotic-associated diarrhea in immunocompromised patients.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **C. difficile infection (CDI)** is a major concern in patients receiving antibiotics, especially those with prolonged hospital stays or in immunocompromised states. CDI can range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis. The diagnosis is often made by detecting C. difficile toxins in stool.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Clostridioides difficile.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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