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Updated: May 9, 2026

A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
09:12

A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection

Published on: June 15, 2018

Viral co-infections are common and are associated with higher bacterial burden in children with clostridium difficile

Rana E El Feghaly1, Jennifer L Stauber, Phillip I Tarr

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|July 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in children are rising. Viral co-infections in children with CDI were linked to higher bacterial loads but similar symptoms, suggesting a complex interplay requiring further study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) represent a growing concern in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding factors influencing CDI severity in children is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and impact of viral co-infections in children diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection.
  • To compare clinical presentation and C. difficile burden between children with and without viral co-infections.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 62 children with diarrhea and confirmed C. difficile infection was studied.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect viral gastroenteritis agents.
  • Bacterial burden of C. difficile was quantified.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-four percent (15/62) of children with CDI had a concurrent viral co-infection.
  • Children with viral co-infections were younger and exhibited a significantly higher C. difficile bacterial burden (median difference = 565,957 cfu/mL; P = 0.011).
  • Clinical symptoms were indistinguishable between groups with and without viral co-infections.

Conclusions:

  • Viral co-infections are present in a notable proportion of pediatric C. difficile infections.
  • The increased bacterial burden associated with viral co-infections in children warrants further investigation into their role in CDI pathogenesis.
  • Clinical presentation alone does not differentiate pediatric CDI cases with viral co-infections.

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