Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen primarily recognized in adult populations, but its role in pediatric populations is less well understood. Risk factors for CDI detection in children include prior hospitalization and underlying gut health conditions. Although recent studies highlight the importance of asymptomatic carriage in healthcare transmission, pediatric patients are less frequently screened due to uncertainties about the significance of detection. Moreover, CDI in children often self-resolves without requiring additional therapies, complicating its management in pediatric settings.
This review emphasizes the need for more pediatric-specific studies to understand the epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors, and management strategies for CDI in children. It highlights that antimicrobial stewardship and preventive measures to preserve gut microbial diversity are crucial. Emerging therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, fecal microbiota transplantation, and probiotics, show promise in managing CDI. Future research should aim to develop targeted interventions to improve outcomes for pediatric patients with CDI.
Reference: Watkin S, Yongblah F, Burton J, et al. Clostridioides difficile detection and infection in children: are they just small adults? J Med Microbiol. 2024 Mar;73(3). doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.001816. PMID: 38526913.
