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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
11:13

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment

Published on: September 14, 2013

Clostridium difficile in normal infants and sudden infant death syndrome: an association with infant formula feeding

M S Cooperstock, E Steffen, R Yolken

    Pediatrics
    |July 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Clostridium difficile bacteria were found in infants, particularly those fed infant formula. This suggests a potential link between C. difficile colonization and infant health, warranting further investigation.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Pediatrics
    • Gastroenterology

    Background:

    • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases revealed high levels of Clostridium difficile.
    • A study was initiated to investigate C. difficile colonization in infants within the SIDS age group.

    Observation:

    • Thirty-two healthy infants were analyzed using selective culture and bacterial product assays.
    • Clostridium difficile was detected in 39% of the infants studied.

    Findings:

    • Fecal toxins were present in 8 of the 13 colonized infants.
    • Colonization was significantly higher in formula-fed infants (71%) compared to breast-fed infants (7%).
    • C. difficile toxins were exclusively found in formula-fed infants.

    Implications:

    • The findings suggest a potential association between infant formula feeding and increased risk of C. difficile colonization and toxin presence.
    • Further research is needed to understand the role of C. difficile in infant health and SIDS.
    • This study highlights the importance of considering C. difficile in infant gastrointestinal health evaluations.

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