Viral co-infections are common and are associated with higher bacterial burden in children with clostridium difficile infection

Rana E.El Feghaly, Jennifer L. Stauber, Phillip I. Tarr, David B. Haslam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infections in children are increasing. In this cohort study, we enrolled 62 children with diarrhea and C difficile. We performed polymerase chain reaction assays to detect viral agents of gastroenteritis and quantify C difficile burden. Fifteen (24%) children diagnosed as having C difficile infection had a concomitant viral co-infection. These patients tended to be younger and had a higher C difficile bacterial burden than children with no viral co-infections (median difference =  565,957 cfu/mL; P =  0.011), but were clinically indistinguishable. The contribution of viral co-infection to C difficile disease in children warrants future investigation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)813-816
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Volume57
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • C difficile
  • Children
  • Norovirus
  • Viral gastroenteritis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Viral co-infections are common and are associated with higher bacterial burden in children with clostridium difficile infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this