Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium difficile, also called C. difficile or C. diff. is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping and colitis (inflammation of the intestines). C. difficile infections can range from mild to life-threatening.
C. difficile infections can occur when a child has been taking an antibiotic to treat a different infection. Since antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria in addition to the harmful kind, it can allow C. difficile to multiply in the intestines. C. difficile also can be passed from one person another’s, and it can live for up to five months on dry surfaces, including doorknobs, phones, plastic toys, blankets and utensils.
Children who have an inflammatory bowel disease, those who have had surgery on their digestive system and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get a C. difficile infection. Being in the hospital also raises the risk.
Symptoms
Up to one-third of infants carry C. difficile bacteria in their intestines without getting sick. Older children with C. difficile in their intestines are more likely to develop an infection. When this happens, symptoms can include:
Diarrhea, often with blood
Abdominal pain
Fever
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Diagnosis
If your child has symptoms of C. difficile, your pediatric gastroenterologist at Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition will ask about risk factors such as a recent hospitalization or a course of antibiotics. They also will do a physical exam to check your child’s overall health.
Testing for C. difficile includes analyzing a stool sample in the lab. This test checks for C. difficile toxins or the genes that produce them. Since many newborn babies are colonized with C. difficile without being infected, their symptoms are likely to come from another cause and their stool is not routinely tested.
Treatments
For children infected by C. difficile who are on antibiotics for another infection, the antibiotics are usually stopped. This can’t be done with some infections, and it’s important not to discontinue antibiotics unless your doctor advises it. In mild cases of C. difficile, the antibiotics being taken can be enough to resolve the C. difficile infection.
In addition to stop antibiotics that are being used, certain antibiotics will be used to kill C.Difficile. Children with a severe C. difficile infection and those who can’t tolerate oral medicines may get treatment intravenously (through an IV). Because of the change in the gut bacteria your doctor may recommend taking certain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) during the antibiotic therapy and for a few weeks after.
If your child is being treated for a C. difficile infection, be sure to have them drink plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Avoid giving your child anti-diarrheal medications, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently to avoid spreading the infection. Also it is important to clean with bleach any surfaces that can have C. difficile on it and also wash blankets.
Next Steps
A C. difficile infection can be uncomfortable and worrisome for your child and you. It’s important to begin treatment quickly, and at Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, your child will be seen, diagnosed and treated right away.
Your team will explain the condition, answer all your questions and follow up with you to make sure your child has returned to health and is thriving.
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