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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
09:12
A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
Published on: June 15, 2018
10.5K
The Association between GABA-Modulators and Clostridium difficile Infection - A Matched Retrospective Case-Control
Jonathan Ström1, Johan Tham1, Fredrik Månsson1
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Plos One
|January 7, 2017
Summary
This study found no general link between GABA-modulators and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). However, a potential association between zolpidem and CDI warrants further investigation in larger studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metabolomics studies suggest gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) influences Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) pathogenesis.
- GABA-modulating pharmaceuticals are commonly prescribed, necessitating an understanding of their role in CDI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the use of GABA-modulating pharmaceuticals and the development of CDI.
- To determine if specific GABA-modulators, like zolpidem, are linked to CDI risk.
Main Methods:
- A matched, retrospective case-control study was conducted in Skåne county, Sweden (July-December 2013).
- GABA-modulators included zolpidem, zopiclone, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, pregabalin, and baclofen.
- Multivariate regression and propensity score-adjusted analyses were used, controlling for known CDI risk factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between the regular use of any GABA-modulator and CDI (OR = 1.07).
- A trend towards significance was observed for zolpidem use and CDI (OR = 2.31), persisting in antibiotic-treated cases and propensity-score adjusted analysis.
- Recent antibiotic use and nursing home residency were significantly associated with CDI. Severe initial CDI was linked to recurrence.
Conclusions:
- This study did not establish a general association between GABA-modulators and CDI.
- A potential trend between zolpidem and CDI requires further investigation in adequately powered studies.
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