Non-antibiotic associated C. difficile diarrhea in a 7 week-old infant

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Ajmal Kader1, Bernadette O'Hare, Manoj Kalikkottu Valappil

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. ajmalkader@yahoo.uk

Indian Pediatrics
|November 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This case study details severe Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea in an infant without antibiotic exposure. The infant recovered with metronidazole, highlighting a rare non-antibiotic associated C. diff infection presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea.
  • Most reported CDI cases occur in adults or neonates with prior antibiotic exposure or hospitalization.

Observation:

  • A 7-week-old infant presented with severe diarrhea, massive fluid loss, and electrolyte imbalance.
  • The infant had no history of antibiotic use or recent hospitalization.

Findings:

  • The infant was diagnosed with C. difficile diarrhea.
  • Treatment with oral metronidazole led to complete recovery.
  • This case represents a rare instance of non-antibiotic associated severe CDI in an infant.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of CDI etiology in infants, suggesting non-antibiotic triggers are possible.
  • Highlights the importance of considering CDI even in the absence of typical risk factors.
  • Suggests metronidazole as an effective treatment option for non-antibiotic associated CDI in neonates.

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