Evaluation of diagnostic tests for Clostridium difficile infection.
We evaluated toxigenic Clostridium difficile detection by a lateral flow assay for antigen and toxin, an enzyme immunoassay, and two commercial PCR methods. Compared to the cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay and toxigenic culture, both toxin detection methods lacked sensitivity. PCR following combined antigen and toxin detection provided the most useful diagnostic information.
Swindells
Jonathan
J
Department of Microbiology, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Brenwald
Nigel
N
Reading
Nathan
N
Oppenheim
Beryl
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000032:analysis; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods*; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009500:Neutralization Tests / Q000379:methods; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001427:Bacterial Toxins