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C. difficile Colitis — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateGastroenterologyC. difficile ColitisRACP Paediatrics

A 3-year-old is admitted with profuse bloody diarrhoea and abdominal distension following treatment with antibiotics for otitis media. Stool toxin test for Clostridium difficile is positive. What is the first-line treatment?

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Correct answer: E — Oral metronidazole

First-line treatment for non-severe C. difficile infection in children is oral metronidazole. Oral vancomycin is used for severe or recurrent CDI. The offending antibiotic should be stopped if possible. Faecal microbiota transplant is reserved for recurrent CDI failing standard therapy.

Reference: Therapeutic Guidelines – 2024 – Antibiotic: C. difficile Infection