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Childhood factors may predispose adults to Clostridium difficile infection

Date:
October 14, 2013
Source:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
Summary:
Childhood and infancy factors have been linked to a predisposition to developing Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, the leading cause of health-care associated diarrhea, according to new research.
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Childhood and infancy factors have been linked to a predisposition to developing Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, the leading cause of health-care associated diarrhea, according to new research being presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 78th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, CA.

According to a survey, data suggests that being born at home, avoiding antibiotics during infancy and childhood, and being breast fed appear to be protective against C. difficile in adulthood. The anonymous 20-question survey was submitted by over 200 patients from medicine inpatient wards and gastroenterology and infectious disease outpatient clinics. The survey was also mailed to patients who have had C. difficile in the past.

Much research is currently being done on the gut microbiota, the microbial population living in the digestive tract, and its role in health and disease. Lead author Ana Maria Crissien, M.D., and her colleagues from Scripps Clinic and Green Hospital, believe that factors influencing the human microbiome at birth and early childhood can influence the microbiome years later.

"Although more studies need to be done to confirm our data, this survey was able to show the influence factors of infancy and childhood that may predispose adults to the development of C. difficile infection. The microbiome is a very active area of research and we will continue to collect data and plan a prospective study to look at the influences on the microbiome and the development of C. difficile," said Dr. Crissien.

The authors note that decisions regarding birth methods, infant feeding, administration of antibiotics and hospitalization in infants and children should be based on the maternal and infant health and not scientific surveys.


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Materials provided by American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). "Childhood factors may predispose adults to Clostridium difficile infection." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 October 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131014093709.htm>.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). (2013, October 14). Childhood factors may predispose adults to Clostridium difficile infection. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131014093709.htm
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). "Childhood factors may predispose adults to Clostridium difficile infection." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131014093709.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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