Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile)
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Published:2021
2021. "Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile)", Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics, David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Elizabeth D. Barnett, MD, FAAP, Ruth Lynfield, MD, FAAP, Mark H. Sawyer, MD, FAAP
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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...