The Gut Microbiome and Butyrate Differentiate Clostridioides difficile Colonization and Infection in Children - Takeaways - MDSpire
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The Role of Gut Microbiota and Butyrate in Distinguishing Clostridioides difficile Colonization from Infection in Pediatric Patients

  • By

  • Maribeth R Nicholson

  • Siyuan Ma

  • Britton A Strickland

  • Mia Cecala

  • Lisa Zhang

  • Seth Reasoner

  • Emma R Guiberson

  • Matthew J Munneke

  • Meghan H Shilts

  • Eric P Skaar

  • Suman R Das

  • December 11, 2025

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  • 1

    Clostridioides difficile can cause significant morbidity, with asymptomatic colonization occurring without symptoms in pediatric patients.

  • 2

    The study compared gut microbiota and butyrate levels in children with symptomatic CDI and asymptomatic colonization to understand disease mechanisms.

  • 3

    Symptomatic CDI was associated with increased levels of Escherichia/Shigella and decreased levels of beneficial gut microbes like Faecalibacterium.

  • 4

    Butyrate producers and fecal butyrate levels were significantly lower in symptomatic CDI patients compared to those with asymptomatic colonization.

  • 5

    The findings suggest that gut microbiota and butyrate may play a crucial role in distinguishing between asymptomatic colonization and symptomatic CDI.

Original Source(s)

The Gut Microbiome and Butyrate Differentiate Clostridioides difficile Colonization and Infection in Children

  • by Maribeth R Nicholson, Siyuan Ma, Britton A Strickland, Mia Cecala, Lisa Zhang, Seth Reasoner, Emma R Guiberson, Matthew J Munneke, Meghan H Shilts, Eric P Skaar, Suman R Das

  • December 11, 2025

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