Does Concentration of Clostridioides difficile in Stool Matter?

In a cohort study, the concentration of stool toxin did not clearly differentiate asymptomatic carriers of the toxin gene from those with active disease.

It remains unclear which tests are best to diagnose Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Some experts have prioritized detection of toxin. Others have focused on the presence of the toxin gene in the stool using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). However, some asymptomatic individuals have detectable toxin gene without toxin in their stool.

Now, investigators have developed an ultrasensitive quantitative assay for C. difficile toxin in the stool using single molecular array (Simoa) technology that can detect and quantify toxins A and B in concentrations as low as 1 pg/mL. The researchers hypothesized that concentrations of toxin would be higher in those with CDI than in asymptomatic toxin gene carriers. Using the assay, they comp…

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)

Does Concentration of Clostridioides difficile in Stool Matter?

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Reviewing Author