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Therapeutic Technology and Methodology / Therapy / Small Molecule Drug / Antibiotics / Vancomycin


Clostridium difficile: An Emerging Pathogen in Children

Abstract: Clostridium difficile is emerging as an important enteric pathogen in children. Historically considered as an asymptomatic colonizer of the gastrointestinal tract, C. difficile infection (CDI) has not been well-studied in pediatric populations. While asymptomatic carriage remains high among infants, recent epidemiological surveillance has demonstrated a rise in the prevalence of CDI in both healthcare and community settings, particularly in children 1-5 years of age. The pathogenesis of pediatric CDI, including the factors underlying the absence of toxin-mediated effects among colonized infants, remains ill-defined. Studies suggest that traditional adult CDI risk factors such as antibiotic and healthcare exposure may not be as important for children who acquire CDI in the community. As recognition of the significant impact of CDI in children increases, the pressing need for deepening our understanding of this disease and identifying optimal therapeutic and preventative strategies is becoming apparent. ... Read more

The Impact of Antibiotics on the Gut Microbiota as Revealed by High Throughput DNA Sequencing

Abstract: Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics can have a detrimental impact on the commensal bacteria present in the gut. The extensive nature of the collateral damage caused by such compounds has been revealed more starkly than ever before through the application of high throughput DNA sequencing-based technologies to investigate resulting microbial populations. Here we review the findings of such studies and discuss the strategies available to minimize such negative impacts. ... Read more

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