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Factors affecting development of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized pediatric patients in the country

Iuri Migriauli1, Vakhtang Meunargia2, Ivane Chkhaidze3,4

  • 1AIETI Medical School, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia. iurimigriauli@dtmu.edu.ge.

BMC Research Notes
|June 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium difficile infections affect 10.5% of hospitalized children in Georgia. Antibiotic exposure, particularly cephalosporins, significantly increases the risk of C. difficile infection in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Pediatric populations are susceptible to C. difficile infections (CDI).
  • Understanding CDI prevalence and risk factors in pediatric settings is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the occurrence of Clostridium difficile in hospitalized pediatric patients in Georgia.
  • To identify risk factors associated with the development of C. difficile infection.
  • To evaluate real-time PCR diagnostic systems for pathogen identification.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 220 hospitalized children (<18 years) with gastroenteritis symptoms.
  • Stool specimens were analyzed using enzyme immune assay and polymerase chain reaction.
  • Real-time PCR systems were piloted for rapid C. difficile and other pathogen detection.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 10.5% of the pediatric patients tested positive for C. difficile.
  • Antibiotic exposure within two months prior to diarrhea onset was a significant risk factor.
  • Cephalosporins, penicillins, carbapenems, and macrolides were associated with increased CDI risk.

Conclusions:

  • Clostridium difficile is an important cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea in Georgia's pediatric patients.
  • Antibiotic use is a key modifiable risk factor for CDI in hospitalized children.
  • Rapid diagnostic methods like real-time PCR are valuable for timely C. difficile detection.
Abstract

Keywords:
AntibioticsClostridium difficileEIAHospitalized childrenPCR

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