C. DIFFICILE TOXIN A & B and GDH, STOOL
C. DIFFICILE TOXIN A & B and GDH, STOOL
The C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test is a diagnostic test used to detect clostridium difficile infection, a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It detects the presence of toxins (toxin A and toxin B) produced by the bacteria Clostridioides difficile. Additionally, the test measures the presence of GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase), an enzyme (antigen) produced by C. difficile. Thus, getting this test is recommended to diagnose the clostridium difficile infection
Symptoms of C. difficile infection
Watery diarrhea three or more times a day with unknown cause
Bloody diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fever
Who should get tested?
The C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test is highly recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing an infection. Risk factors include
Aged over 65 years
Have symptoms associated with C.difficile infection
Have taken antibiotics within the last 6-8 weeks
Have recently stayed in or worked at a hospital or any health care facility (Clostridioides difficile bacteria are more common in healthcare facilities)
Have a compromised immune system due to various factors, such as a health condition like HIV, specific medications, or treatments like chemotherapy for cancer
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test results may vary depending on the age, gender, medical history, and procedure. C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test results may be positive or negative.
Positive
Positive results for C. difficile toxins A & B indicate the presence of toxins A & B produced by the bacteria in the stool sample. This suggests an active C. difficile infection. Similarly, a positive result for GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) indicates the presence of C. difficile antigen in the stool, potentially indicating an infection.
Negative
A negative result indicates the absence of toxins A & B in the stool sample. Likewise, a negative GDH result indicates the absence of the C. difficile antigen in the stool sample
The test results may vary depending on the age, gender, medical history, and procedure. C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test results may be positive or negative.
Positive
Positive results for C. difficile toxins A & B indicate the presence of toxins A & B produced by the bacteria in the stool sample. This suggests an active C. difficile infection. Similarly, a positive result for GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) indicates the presence of C. difficile antigen in the stool, potentially indicating an infection.
Negative
A negative result indicates the absence of toxins A & B in the stool sample. Likewise, a negative GDH result indicates the absence of the C. difficile antigen in the stool sample
FAQs
How the sample is collected for C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test?
For C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test, a stool sample is collected using a clean container. The patient is instructed to defecate directly into the container or to transfer a small portion of stool into it using the scoop provided
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test?
The test results for C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test are usually available within the same day after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending on the diagnostic clinic
Are there any risks associated with C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test?
There are no risks associated with C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test. You are just instructed to collect your regular stool sample for testing which involves no risk.
What might affect my C. difficile toxin A & B and GDH stool test results?
Contamination of the stool sample with toilet water, urine, or other substances can make it unsuitable for testing or potentially alter the results. Therefore, it is crucial to collect the sample without any such contaminants
I have had a C. difficile infection in the past and got treated. Is it possible to get re-infected?
Re-infection with C. difficile is a possibility even after receiving treatment for a prior infection. While the treatment can successfully eliminate the bacteria that caused the initial infection, it does not confer immunity against future infections. Various factors, such as exposure to the bacteria again, changes in gut flora, the use of antibiotics, or underlying health conditions, can elevate the risk of re-infection. Implementing preventive measures like practicing proper hand hygiene and refraining from unnecessary antibiotic use can aid in reducing the risk of re-infection
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