#37: Clinical Characterization of the Cases Relating to the Outbreak of Clostridioides difficile, in a Third-level Hospital in Mexico City: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Relay

Abstract

Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections. The epidemiology of C. difficile infection (CDI) in children has changed over the past few decades. There is now a higher incidence in hospitalized children, and there has been an emergence of community-onset infection. Neonates and young infants have high rates of colonization but rarely have symptoms. The well-known risk factor for CDI in children age 2 years or older is antibiotic use. Inflammatory bowel disease and cancer are associated with increased incidence and severity of CDI. Vancomycin or fidaxomicin is recommended for an initial episode of CDI. In environments where access to Vancomycin or Fidaxomycin is limited, it is suggested to use metronidazole for an initial episode of nonsevere CDI only. Methods A series of cases were carried out, in a study period from March to May 2018, total cases 8; the age group, sex, basic diagnosis, clinical findings, diagnostic method, and outcome in hospitalized patients in the Pediatric division of the “CMN 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE” were described, where there is a total of 377 Sensitive beds, and 53 beds in the pediatric area of which 30 are not sensitive. Results We analyzed 8 cases of diarrhea with identification of C. difficile, in a period of 3 months, where there was a total of 148 admissions to the division of Pediatrics (100%) and presented a prevalence of 0.05% of the total income. Of those 8 cases reported, 37.5% were women and 62.5% men; The age fluctuated between 6 months and 18 years. All children had associated comorbidities. The frequency and type of comorbidities were Cancer 87.5% (Leukemias and Solid Tumors) and Neurological 12.5% ​​(Arterial Malformation and Neurological Sequelae). The main symptom that occurred was mucous diarrhea in 100% of patients, abdominal pain in 25% and evacuation with blood in 12.5% ​​of cases. All had a history of prior treatment with 100% broad-spectrum antibiotics, in a period of less than one month. All were treated with metronidazole (100%) and all presented clinical improvement, without complications; Similarly, all were diagnosed by PCR for toxin B (100%). The attributable risk of presenting Clostridioides disease in patients with Leukemia is 0.11. Conclusions Patients with Leukemia were the most affected during the C. difficile outbreak, of which 11 out of 100 of these patients are at risk of presenting C. difficile disease. The most important thing in these cases is prevention. Therefore, specific prevention measures were implemented to reduce the possibility of future outbreaks, such as handwashing with chlorexidine, contact isolation, handwashing every time there is contact with the patient, use of gloves when performing procedures, insulation of bedding in plastic bags and training of health personnel.