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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
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Impact and Time Course of Clostridium difficile Colonization in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Karin Pichler1, Benjamin Bausenhardt1, Steliana Huhulescu2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care, and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Neonatology
|June 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium difficile colonization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) was lower than previously reported and did not lead to adverse outcomes. In-hospital colonization was minimal, with no hypervirulent strains detected.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatalogy
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections.
  • High colonization rates are observed in asymptomatic neonates and infants, but data is dated.
  • Previous studies focused on term and late preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact and time course of Clostridium difficile colonization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI).
  • To utilize modern PCR-based diagnostic technologies for accurate assessment.
  • To evaluate colonization in the context of current medical practices.

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples from 190 VLBWI were analyzed using PCR ribotyping.
  • Regular interval sampling occurred during hospitalization and continued for two years.
  • Colonization rates and potential risk factors were assessed.

Main Results:

  • A 32% overall colonization rate was observed during the first two years of life.
  • In-hospital colonization was 8%, primarily occurring within the first six months.
  • No hypervirulent strains were detected, and colonization was not linked to adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Clostridium difficile colonization in VLBWI is lower than previously reported.
  • Colonization in this cohort did not result in adverse outcomes.
  • Oral lactoferrin and piperacillin/tazobactam showed a negative correlation with colonization.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antibiotic therapyClostridium difficileGut colonizationNecrotizing enterocolitisPreterm infants

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