What condition should be suspected in a patient experiencing diarrhea after recent antibiotic use?

In a patient who has experienced diarrhea following recent antibiotic use, Clostridium difficile infection is highly suspected because antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut flora, allowing for the overgrowth of C. difficile. This bacterium produces toxins that can lead to significant gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe diarrhea, which often occurs after antibiotic therapy. The disruption of normal microbial balance increases susceptibility to infection by opportunistic organisms like C. difficile, making it a common and critical concern in patients with a recent history of antibiotic treatment. The clinical presentation may also include abdominal cramps and potentially fever, and this condition is often associated with a history of prior antibiotic use, making it a classic case in the context of this scenario.