These tests detect the presence of Clostridioides difficile or toxins produced by C. difficile in a fresh or frozen stool sample. C. difficile is a bacterium that is present in the intestines of up to 66% of healthy infants and 3% of healthy adults. C. difficile is one of the groups of bacteria that usually inhabit the colon and as such are called “normal flora.” If something happens to prevent the growth of the other normal flora,… These tests detect the presence of Clostridioides difficile or toxins produced by C. difficile in a fresh or frozen stool sample. C. difficile is a bacterium that is present in the intestines of up to 66% of healthy infants and 3% of healthy adults. C. difficile is one of the groups of bacteria that usually inhabit the colon and as such are called “normal flora.” If something happens to prevent the growth of the other normal flora, such as broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, C. difficile may overgrow and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the colon. About 75% of C. difficile produce two toxins, A and B. The combination of overgrowth and toxin production can cause prolonged acute diarrhoea and the toxin can damage the lining of the colon and lead to pseudomembranous colitis, a severe inflammation of the colon. C. difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in the hospital, affecting as many as 20% of those who are taking antibiotics for other infections. While C. difficile is frequently carried by infants, it does not usually cause diarrhoea in this population. The risk of being affected increases with age and is increased in those who are immunocompromised, have acute or chronic colon conditions, have been previously affected by C. difficile, or who have had recent gastrointestinal surgery or chemotherapy. About 80% of the time, C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (also known as C. difficile infection; CDI) occurs in patients who have been taking antibiotics for several days, but it can also occur several weeks after treatment is completed. The severity of C. difficile diarrhoea and colitis may vary greatly, ranging from mild diarrhoea to a more severe colitis, or to toxic megacolon, which can result in sepsis and death. Symptoms may include frequent loose stools, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, fever, dehydration, and fatigue. Patients may have blood, mucous, or white blood cells (WBCs) in their stool and frequently have leucocytes (increased numbers of WBCs in their blood). While some cases of C. difficile diarrhoea and colitis do not require treatment, others require specific oral antibiotic therapy. Most patients improve as the normal flora re-establishes itself, but about 20% of patients may have one or more relapses, with symptoms and detectible toxin levels re-emerging. How is the sample collected for testing? A fresh stool sample is collected in a sterile universal container. The stool sample should not be contaminated with urine or water. Once it has been collected, the stool should be taken to the laboratory as soon as possible, or stored in a designated refrigerator if there is to be delay. The container should be labelled with the patient’s name and the date and time of the stool collection. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See More See Less
