Familial pseudomembranous colitis and its relation to lincomycin therapy

Severe pseudomembranous colitis was observed in 3 members of a single family: the father and 2 of his children. 2 of the affected family members received the antibiotic lincomycin prior to the onset of their symptoms. The findings in this family raise the possibility that antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis in some patients may be the result of a pharmacogenetic interaction.