Clostridium difficile Infection in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in the Era of Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapeutics

Increased prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been reported, primarily using stool toxin assay. Stool Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for CDI has replaced toxin assay due to the higher sensitivity and specificity. No pediatric study has reviewed exclusive PCR testing to report CDI in IBD patients. Objective of this study is to analyze demographic and clinical features in IBD patient's age 18 years and less, including Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who had CDI diagnosed by PCR at a tertiary children's hospital.