Clostridium difficile toxin in asymptomatic neonates

J Pediatr. 1982 Mar;100(3):431-4. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(82)80454-x.

Abstract

Clostridium difficile toxin was detected in the feces of 10.5% of normal newborn infants and 55% of neonates in the intensive care unit. None of the normal infants and less than one-third of those in the NICU had any signs of enteric illness. Vaginal delivery and breast-feeding were associated with increased rates of toxin carriage. Although toxin was not detected during antibiotic therapy, it could be found in 85% of infants two weeks or more, and for at least an additional two months, following exposure to antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Toxins / analysis*
  • Clostridium*
  • Feces / analysis*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn*
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Toxins