A simple 3-step algorithm for improved laboratory detection of Clostridium difficile toxin without the need for tissue culture cytotoxicity neutralization assays.
This report describes a 3-step algorithm for the detection of Clostridium difficile using an enzyme immunoassay for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) antigen, a lateral flow assay for C. difficile toxin, and anaerobic broth culture. This method was found to detect more toxin-containing stool samples than the use of a combination GDH antigen plus toxin A/B testing alone.
Kaiser Permanente NW, Department of Pathology, Portland, OR 97230, USA. susan.e.sharp@kp.org
Susan E
SE
Sharp
W Michael
WM
Ivie
Misti R
MR
Buckles
Diane M
DM
Coover
Julie C
JC
Pohl
Patricia A
PA
Hatcher
D000465:Algorithms; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004768:Enterotoxins; C041348:tcdA protein, Clostridium difficile; C031815:toxB protein, Clostridium difficile; D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase