Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Immunocompromised Children

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2021 Nov 17;10(Supplement_3):S46-S51. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piab078.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection is very common in immunocompromised children. Management is confounded by frequent asymptomatic colonization, multiple alternative etiologies for gastrointestinal symptoms, and high rates of relapse. Important considerations include indications for testing, appropriate choice of diagnostic tests, antibiotic therapy for initial and subsequent episodes, and primary and secondary prevention.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; children; immunocompromised; immunosuppressed; pediatrics.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asymptomatic Infections
  • Child
  • Clostridioides
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Clostridium Infections* / diagnosis
  • Clostridium Infections* / drug therapy
  • Clostridium Infections* / epidemiology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents