Clostridioides difficile Infections: Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2024:1449:175-186. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-58572-2_11.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile is the most common causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This spore forming, obligate anaerobic, gram-positive bacillus is becoming responsible for an increasing number of infections worldwide, both in community and in hospital settings, whose severity can vary widely from an asymptomatic infection to a lethal disease. While discontinuation of antimicrobial agents and antibiotic treatment of the infection remain the cornerstone of therapy, more recent fecal microbiota transplantation has also been valid as a therapy. The use of probiotics, especially Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 have become valid forms of prevention therapy. Although there are studies in adults with microbiota-targeted new generation therapies and Clostridium difficile vaccines, there are no data in the paediatric age group yet.

Keywords: Children; Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile; Prevention; Probiotics; Recurrence; Treatment; Yeast.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Clostridioides difficile* / pathogenicity
  • Clostridioides difficile* / physiology
  • Clostridium Infections* / microbiology
  • Clostridium Infections* / prevention & control
  • Clostridium Infections* / therapy
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents