Some Disease-Related Clostridioides difficile Strains Produce Predominantly Toxin A

Among 231 patients with C. difficile–positive stools, 13 had specimens containing predominantly toxin A and minimal or no toxin B.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. C. difficile produces two structurally different toxins, toxin A and toxin B. Their role in virulence is not fully established. Because strains of C. difficile that produce predominantly toxin B have been identified, some have postulated that it may have a more important role in causing disease. However, researchers have now identified strains of C. difficile that produce principally toxin A.

Among 231 stool isolates that were positive by nucleic acid amplification testing from 187 patients with CDI and 44 who were without symptoms, isolates from 13 cases, 7 of whom were symptomatic, had C. difficile strains that produced large amounts of toxin A …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Some Disease-Related Clostridioides difficile Strains Produce Predominantly Toxin A

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Reviewing Author