[Clinic and epidemiologic description of Clostridium difficile infection in a pediatric population].

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile (CUj-associated disease (CDAD) and the role of the hypervirulent strain NAP1 have not been well characterized in Pediatrics.

AIMS: To describe clinical features of CDAD, and to estimate NAP1 frequency and association with disease severity in Pediatrics.

METHODS: Descriptive, transversal surveillance of diarrheal episodes in Chilean children, hospitalized between February 2012 and December 2013, positive for CD by molecular diagnosis.

RESULTS: A total of 66 episodes of diarrhea with identification of CD occurred thougout the study period in children between 1 month and 19 years of age of which 39% were younger than one year old. CD acquisition was predominantly nosocomial and the most common risk factors were: presence of comorbidities (98.6%), use of antibiotics (93.9%), proton pump inhibitors (84.8%), invasive mechanic ventilation (54.5%), feeding tube (48.5%) and immunosuppression (40.9%). Clinical course was mostly mild, but 12 cases presented an unfavorable course, of which 3/26 occurred in children less than one year. Only one case was positive for NAP1 and had a mild course.

CONCLUSION: Diarrhea with identification of CD was present throughout all pediatric ages, including children less than one year old. Analytical and longitudinal studies are required to better characterize the pathogenic role of CD in this age group. CDAD occurred mostly in patients with risk factors, and the clinical course was predominantly mild.