Calprotectin levels may predict risk of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2023-10-16 05:30 GMT | Update On 2023-10-16 05:45 GMT

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has long been a leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea, posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems. Recurrent CDI (R-CDI), affecting 20%-30% of patients, extends hospital stays and increases costs. A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology suggests that the abundance of specific bacterial genera and fecal calprotectin levels could serve as vital biomarkers in identifying patients at risk of developing R-CDI, ultimately leading to better-tailored treatments and improved patient outcomes

The study, aimed at exploring the role of the microbiome and calprotectin levels as predictive biomarkers for R-CDI, included 200 patients with a primary episode of CDI. Researchers collected clinical data and fecal samples and performed microbiome analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Of the 200 patients, 54 went on to develop R-CDI, while 146 did not. The analysis of 200 primary samples revealed distinct microbial patterns. Fusobacterium was found to increase in abundance in patients with recurrent disease, while Collinsella, Senegalimassilia, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus decreased. Additionally, elevated calprotectin levels were significantly correlated with R-CDI.

Building on these findings, the researchers constructed a risk index for R-CDI. This index factored in various prognostic elements, including age, sex, immunosuppression, toxin B amplification cycle, creatinine levels, and fecal calprotectin levels. The resulting model demonstrated an overall accuracy of 79%.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to identify early markers for R-CDI. By measuring calprotectin levels and examining the abundance of specific microbial genera like Fusobacterium and Prevotella during primary CDI episodes, healthcare providers may have a tool for predicting the risk of recurrent infection.

This predictive model could revolutionize the way CDI is managed. By identifying patients at higher risk for R-CDI at the initial CDI episode, healthcare professionals can better tailor their treatment strategies. This, in turn, may lead to more effective interventions, shorter hospital stays, and reduced healthcare costs.

Reference:

Vázquez-Cuesta, S., Lozano García, N., Fernández, A. I., Olmedo, M., Kestler, M., Alcalá, L., Marín, M., Bermejo, J., Bouza, E., & Reigadas, E. (2023). Microbiome profile and calprotectin levels as markers of risk of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. In Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (Vol. 13). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1237500

Article Source : Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

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Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

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Calprotectin levels may predict risk of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection

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