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.
Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (GM 19258) and from the Upjohn Co. Dr. Brown is an Established Investigator of The American Heart Association. Dr. Goldstein is the recipient of USPHS Research Career Development Award 5 KO4 GM 70277.