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A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
12:58

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: May 25, 2017

Clostridium difficile Infection in Children: Current State and Unanswered Questions

Pranita D Tamma1, Thomas J Sandora2

  • 1Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Baltimore, Maryland;

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|May 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is rising, with new strains and risk factors emerging. This review covers recent advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for childhood CDI.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in children has significantly increased over the last decade.
  • Emerging data highlight community-onset CDI, even in children without prior antibiotic exposure.
  • A hypervirulent strain now accounts for up to 20% of pediatric CDI cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent developments and emerging trends in pediatric Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
  • To discuss advancements in diagnostic strategies, novel therapeutics, and updated infection control recommendations for pediatric CDI.
  • To identify knowledge gaps for future research in childhood CDI.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on pediatric Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
  • Analysis of emerging epidemiological data, including hypervirulent strains and unique risk factors.
  • Evaluation of new diagnostic tools, therapeutic options, and infection prevention guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Increased recognition of community-onset CDI in children, including those without prior antibiotic use.
  • Identification of a hypervirulent strain contributing to a substantial proportion of pediatric CDI cases.
  • Advances in nucleic acid amplification tests raise questions about optimal pediatric CDI diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Recent advancements offer new insights into pediatric Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
  • Novel therapeutic agents and updated prevention strategies require careful consideration for pediatric application.
  • Further research is crucial to address remaining knowledge gaps in childhood CDI.

Keywords:
Clostridium difficileDiarrheaPediatricsPseudomembranous colitisToxic megacolon

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