Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile)

Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) is associated with a spectrum of gastrointestinal illness as well as with asymptomatic colonization that is common, especially in young infants. Mild to moderate illness is characterized by watery diarrhea, low-grade fever, and abdominal pain. In the past, hospital onset of symptoms was believed to be the most common presentation. However, recent studies have found that C difficile often is diagnosed in nonhospitalized children. Pseudomembranous colitis is characterized by diarrhea with mucus in feces, abdominal cramps and pain, fever, and systemic toxicity. Toxic megacolon (acute dilatation of the colon) should be considered in children...