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Increasing incidence of community-associated atypical Clostridium difficile disease in children

Susan S Baker1, Howard Faden, Wael Sayej

  • 1University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|February 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Community-associated Clostridium difficile infections are rising in children, often presenting with unusual gastrointestinal symptoms. Early detection through routine screening and prompt metronidazole treatment are key to resolving these atypical infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of infectious diarrhea.
  • Traditionally associated with healthcare settings, community-associated CDI is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of community-associated Clostridium difficile infections in children.
  • To assess the effectiveness of metronidazole in treating these infections.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 41 pediatric cases diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection over a 3-year period.
  • Infection was identified via routine screening, not initial clinical suspicion.

Main Results:

  • Clostridium difficile infection was diagnosed in 41 children presenting with various gastrointestinal complaints.
  • The infection was not suspected clinically prior to routine screening.
  • All patients achieved symptom resolution following metronidazole treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Community-associated Clostridium difficile infection may be increasing in pediatric populations.
  • The infection can present with atypical gastrointestinal symptoms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
  • Metronidazole is an effective treatment for pediatric Clostridium difficile infections.

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